CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.5
The Standard
With guidance and support from adults, demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Language Standards
What This Standard Means
Students need to sort, compare, and use words by meaning. They should know that words can be related, like happy and glad, or different in strength, like small and tiny. They also need practice with categories, opposites, and shades of meaning.
Mastery looks like a student explaining why two words go together and choosing a better word for a sentence. Many first graders get stuck using broad words like good, bad, or big. They may also match words by sound or spelling instead of meaning, so they need lots of oral examples and picture support.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students picture cards and have them sort them into groups like animals, foods, toys, and places, then explain one choice.
- Ask students to finish this sentence in writing or talk: I would use enormous instead of big when...
- Say three words, such as hot, cold, warm, and ask students to name the word that does not fit and why.
- Bring in classroom objects and have students describe them with stronger words, such as tiny, huge, rough, smooth, heavy, or light.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.5
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What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.