Play a Whole-Class Synonym Game for Deeper Engagement

Exploring synonyms in real sentences is a critical step in helping students move beyond word-level understanding. Seeing and hearing synonyms used naturally in sentences helps students understand nuance, tone and appropriateness.

This whole-class synonym game has been designed by our experienced teacher team to help your students explore synonyms in authentic contexts. It follows the familiar and much-loved “I Have, Who Has?” format and allows all students to be actively involved. Each card includes a clue sentence with an identified focus word, and students must determine if they have the matching synonym (which means they are next in the sequence). For example:

Who has a synonym for “rich” in this sentence?
The rich man owned several houses.  

The student with the card containing the word “wealthy” then takes the next turn.

This resource downloads as a full-color PDF for an editable Google Slides file. It contains an instruction page and 32 clue cards.

Multiple Benefits of This Whole-Class Synonym Game

This whole-class synonyms game offers many benefits to students. Instead of a few confident students doing all the talking (we’ve all watched that happen), every child has a role and a reason to stay switched on. If they miss their cue, the whole game stops!

Here are some reasons why this whole-class game is a must for your next ELA lesson:

• Supports active listening skills – Students must listen closely to every sentence read aloud to identify whether their card is the match – no tuning out halfway through!
• Requires inclusive participation – Every student has a turn, which helps quieter or less confident learners feel just as essential as the confident callers.
• Promotes sustained engagement – The game-like structure and anticipation of “your turn” keep energy and attention high, especially during long literacy blocks.

Download and Prepare This “I Have, Who Has” Game

Use the dropdown menu on the Download button to access your preferred version of this resource. Note that if you select the Google Slides file, you will be prompted to make a copy to your personal drive before downloading.

Print this resource on cardstock to improve durability. Store all the cards together in a large envelope or ziplock bag for safekeeping. No extra prep, no complicated setup and no tech required!

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Resources for Teaching Synonyms

Click below to explore more resources to use when teaching synonyms to your students.

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Strengthen vocabulary skills with this synonym word search set that helps students compare shades of meaning and use precise language with greater confidence.

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Synonym Task Cards

Build vocabulary and recognition of synonyms with a set of Synonym task cards.