Explaining new concepts to kids can often prove challenging -- especially when kindergartners are involved. You can use games to explain antonyms (opposites), for example, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Simply use age-appropriate language and make it fun. Don't use the word "antonym." Instead, say "opposites." With just a few simple games, you'll have those kindergartners learning and having fun.
Picture Cards
Getting kindergartners to understand antonyms or is much easier with the use of visual aids. Use simple antonyms for starters such as happy/sad, dark/light, boy/girl, up/down and good/bad. Hold up a card showing one of these words or concepts, and show three or four other cards with one of those cards showing the opposite of the word or concept from the first card you showed. Have the students describe out loud what the first card depicts and then determine the opposite based on the other cards shown.
Worksheets
Hand out a worksheet to each student with images such as a happy or sad face or an arrow pointing up or down. Organize the handout with the target picture on the left and a few pictures off to the right, one of which depicts the opposite of the concept shown in the picture on the left; have the students circle this image. This exercise not only gives the students practice with antonyms, but circling the pictures also gives them an opportunity for tactile learning.
Drawing Opposites
Hand out a worksheet to each student with a picture depicting something on the left; leave room on the right side of the worksheet next to each picture. Give each student a pack of crayons, and ask them to use the space to the right of each image to draw a picture depicting its opposite. This exercise also allows them to learn about antonyms and have fun using tactile learning.
Antonym Memory Game
Print out pictures measuring about 3 by 3 inches that show different states of being, directions or locations, and their opposites. Print out several batches of the pictures so each student will have her own memory game. Have the students place each picture face down. Then ask them to select one of the squares and turn it face up and look at the picture. Turn another square face up; if the two pictures are opposites of each other, have them put the pair of cards in a pile off to the side. If the two pictures aren't opposites, have them leave the cards where they are, turn them face down again and turn two more squares face up. The students should repeat this process until they find all the opposites.
Tags: each student, each picture, each student with, face down, first card, Hand worksheet, Hand worksheet each