Homonyms can also have identical pronunciations and spellings but different meanings, such as “quail” (the bird) and “quail” (to cringe). Homographs are words that are spelled the same, have different meanings, and MAY be pronounced differently. This mini spark will let you be creative in your writing to create fun sentences.
Spark your thinking!
1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #26: Use Every Meaning
2. This morning before school, I made a racket when I dropped my racket down the stairs.
Check out this website that shows some words with multiple meanings. Pick out the 2 most interesting and record each of the meanings on your recording page.
3. Watch this short clip two times. Do research and record all of the meanings of not, knot, and naught. How could you use one of the other definitions of knot to add to this clip?
3. Look over this sentence with the word “subject” used in different ways. On your recording page, write all three of the definitions for subject.
Evil King Byrd liked to subject his subjects to lectures about his favorite subject: the history of the toothpick.
4. Choose one of the options below to complete on your recording sheet
Option A. Research the word “bow” and record as many definitions as you can find.
OPTION B. Write 2 of your own sentences that are like the sample above. If you want to look at a list to get started then click here. You are not limited to just using words with two meanings. You can use your own ideas as well. Record your sentences on your recording sheet.
OPTION C. On your recording page, write the all of the definitions for duck, bank, and dove as used in this sentence
The skateboarding dove banked her skateboard off a river bank, ducked into a spin, and then dove under the water, barely missing a duck.
Set your timer for 3 minutes. Try to think about how to add one more sentence that fits with the story using another meaning not used. Ideas for you
Bank: a place to store money
Bank: Storage: A collection or supply of things kept for future use, like a blood bank or a data bank
Duck: Fabric: A heavy, strong cotton cloth used for tents or clothes.
OPTION D: Include multiple meanings of three different homographs in one or two sentences like the duck/bank/dove sentence above. As a reminder a homograph are words that is spelled the same but has a different meaning and potentially a different pronunciation.
5. Share your language arts mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.
Lesson adapted from https://www.byrdseed.com/homographs-homonyms/
Looking to try more word puzzles? Check out the Rhyme Out badge at the EY website.
