Semantic Gradients

Source: www.readingrockets.org

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. By enhancing their vocabulary, students can be more precise and imaginative in their writing.

Why use semantic gradients?

1. Helps broaden and deepen students' understanding of related words.
2. Helps students distinguish between shades of meaning.
3. 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.

Watch: Semantic Gradients

Go inside Cathy Doyle's second grade classroom in Evanston, Illinois to observe how her students use this strategy to talk about the nuanced differences in the meaning of related words. A recent class read-aloud, The Seed Is Sleepy, is the springboard for a lively discussion about words that describe the relative size of things (for example, massive vs. gigantic, tiny vs. microscopic). Joanne Meier, our research director, introduces the strategy and describes how semantic gradients help kids become stronger readers and more descriptive writers.