We have been learning more about synonyms, words with the same meaning. Good readers and writers learn and use synonyms.

I try to anchor all mini-lessons with good literature. We read I Knew a Librarian Who Chewed On a Word.  We listened for all the different synonyms for ate and listed them on our anchor chart. Finally, each of the children added a pair of synonyms.

I also explained that some words are worn out, such as nice, look, and like. I created a visual for them by placing those words on our garbage can. When we write, we will try to think of synonyms for those words to make our writing more powerful.