English Language Arts/ Literacy K-5 Standards: Language Standards K-5: Conventions of Standard English 1.c, f Language Standards K-5: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use 4.a, 5.a
Discuss the multiple meanings of the word GIANT and the images the word GIANT conveys.
Have students perform a quick sketch to illustrate the multiple meanings of the word GIANT
Create a chart that illustrates examples of the word GIANT as a noun and adjective.
GIANT as a Noun
GIANT as an Adjective
Define the relationships between using GIANT in the context of a sentence or paragraph as a noun and adjective and the literal and figurative meaning derived from the relationship.
Example of a sentence: The giant held a giant apple.
Example of a paragraph: The giant walked slowly down the street passing a giant building that housed many and varied types of toys. The giant walked inside and met a giant stuffed elephant. The giant stood by the elephant to determine who between them was really the giant.
Engage students in a discussion to summarize that word types (nouns and adjectives) can alter the meaning of a sentence or paragraph even if the word remains the same.
Create an on-going chart with students to list other words following the same pattern as the word GIANT.
Word
Noun
Adjective
Love
Love – an intense feeling of affection
Love – The author wrote a love story.
History
History – the study of past events
History – The history teacher is a favorite among students.
Notes to Teacher
The purpose of this section of the lesson is to provide students with an opportunity to understand the nuances of words in interesting and creative ways.
Students can find various words in the English language that can be nouns, verbs, and/or adjectives depending on how they are used in a sentence or paragraph. Students can write sentences for these words to highlight their various uses and meanings.
