Semantic Gradients
What is it and what does the research say?
"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" (Reading Rockets Inc., 2014).
The significance of word gradients is that it forces students to compare one word to the next. "These groupings help students to discern shades of meaning (e.g., angry and furious should not be thought of as synonyms). Semantic gradients require children to think about and explain shades of meaning. When students must persuade their classmates or group members, they deepen and broaden their understanding of these words" (Greenwood, & Flanigan, 2007). |
Examples of Semantic Gradients and Possible Uses
A blank example of a word gradient can be seen above. In this example, a student might be asked to use vocabulary related to how bright something is. Words like, dull and shiny could be used.
An example of this can be seen below. Two word gradients for "walk" and "said" are shown. The student plots out comparative words along a line. It should be noted that this strategy requires the student's to have an understanding of number lines.
An extension of this you could do in your classroom would be to pair students up and have them write a word gradient which has multiple possibilities such as walk. The students would use dictionaries to determine the most appropriate arrangement on the gradient line. Students would be tasked with supporting their opinion on which word belongs where.
An example of this can be seen below. Two word gradients for "walk" and "said" are shown. The student plots out comparative words along a line. It should be noted that this strategy requires the student's to have an understanding of number lines.
An extension of this you could do in your classroom would be to pair students up and have them write a word gradient which has multiple possibilities such as walk. The students would use dictionaries to determine the most appropriate arrangement on the gradient line. Students would be tasked with supporting their opinion on which word belongs where.
Video Examples of Semantic Gradients
The first video on the left shows a student working through building a word gradient for the word "eat." You can see the easy of the student in plotting comparative words.
The second video is a comprehensive informational video about semantic gradients and how they can be used in the classroom. This video is especially good for a teacher looking for new ideas.
The second video is a comprehensive informational video about semantic gradients and how they can be used in the classroom. This video is especially good for a teacher looking for new ideas.
|
|
Online Resources for Semantic Gradients
http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/semantic_gradients
Resources available to help understand semantic gradients and how they can be used
Resources available to help understand semantic gradients and how they can be used
References
Greenwood, S. C., & Flanigan, K. (2007). Overlapping Vocabulary and Comprehension: Context Clues Complement Semantic Gradients. Reading Teacher, 61(3), 249-254. doi:10.1598/RT.61.3.5