Encourage pupils in Years 2-6 to broaden their knowledge and use of vocabulary, by completing the scales with words that link between two extremes. This activity, which involves considering synonyms and antonyms, could be used as a starter to extend pupils’ word choices to encourage the use of ambitious vocabulary before writing.
NB the worksheets are best printed at A3 size.
This primary resource pack includes:
- Vocabulary scales
Seven worksheets with examples of word pairs for pupils to complete with linking vocabulary. These are best printed out at A3 size.
- Blank vocabulary scales
A version of the scales where teachers or children can add their own words at the extremes; again, these are best printed at A3 size.
National Curriculum English programme of study links:
Year 2 Reading - comprehension
Pupils should be taught to develop pleasure in reading, motivation to read, vocabulary and understanding by discussing and clarifying the meaning of words, linking new meanings to known vocabulary.
Year 2 Writing - composition
Pupils should be taught to consider what they are going to write about before beginning by writing down ideas and/or key words, including new vocabulary.
Year 3/4 Writing - composition
Pupils should be taught to evaluate and edit by assessing the effectiveness of their own and others’ writing and suggesting improvements.
Year 5/6 Writing - transcription
Pupils should be taught to use a thesaurus.
Year 5/6 Writing - composition
Pupils should be taught to evaluate and edit by proposing changes to vocabulary, grammar and punctuation to enhance effects and clarify meaning.
Year 6 (English Appendix 2)
Students will learn how words are related by meaning as synonyms and antonyms [for example, big, large, little].