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Semantic gradients are a way to broaden and deepen students' understanding of related words. It helps students distinguish between shades of meaning and allows them to be more precise and imaginative in their writing.

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What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins , illustrated by Robin PageClear, textured illustrations of animals and their special parts (e.g., tail, nose) focus readers on the special function of each. Not only is it likely to generate a description of the appendage but its function (what it does), and of the animal and its environment. Other books by Steve Jenkins, such as Biggest, Strongest, Fastest, may also generate rich descriptive language.

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What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins , illustrated by Robin PageClear, textured illustrations of animals and their special parts (e.g., tail, nose) focus readers on the special function of each. Not only is it likely to generate a description of the appendage but its function (what it does), and of the animal and its environment. Other books by Steve Jenkins, such as Biggest, Strongest, Fastest, may also generate rich descriptive language.

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Helps broaden and deepen students' understanding of related words

Helps students distinguish between shades of meaning

Enhances students' vocabulary, which can help them be more precise and imaginative in their writing

How to use semantic gradients

1. Select a pair of polar opposite words.

2. Generate at least five synonyms for each of the opposite words.

3. Arrange the words in a way that makes a bridge from one opposite word to the other. Continuums can be done horizontal or vertical, in a ladder-like fashion.

4. Have students discuss their rationale for placing certain words in certain locations. Encourage a conversation about the subtle differences among the words.

OR

1. Select a specific vocabulary word, e.g., large.

2. Using a book you've read, a unit of study, or different writing samples, create a list of semantically similar words. The teacher can develop the list, or work collaboratively with students to generate a list. It may work best to think of your target word as being in the center of your continuum.

3. Arrange the words in a way that illustrates an understanding of each word's meaning. Continuums can be done horizontal or vertical, in a ladder like fashion.

4. Have students discuss their rationale for placing certain words in certain locations. Encourage a conversation about the subtle differences among the words.

Download this semantic gradients handout, with examples of topics or themes and words that relate to that topic.

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Semantic Gradients | Classroom Strategy | Reading Rockets

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Semantic gradients are a way to broaden and deepen students' understanding of related words. Students consider a continuum of words by order of degree. Semantic gradients often begin with antonyms, or opposites, at each end of the continuum. This strategy helps students distinguish between shades of meaning.