Unit Plan 21 (Grade PreK ELA): Word Meaning Foundations – Categories & Opposites

Focus: Sort into categories; real-life connections; antonyms

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Vocabulary • Word Relationships • Oral Language)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–45 minutes per session (use two short blocks if needed)

I. Introduction

This week children build word meaning by sorting items into categories, naming opposites, and making real-life connections to new words. Through hands-on sorting, movement games, and picture-book hunts, students become word detectives who use visuals and context to understand and use vocabulary in conversations and shares.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Sort common objects/pictures into categories and name each group (L.PK.5a).
2. Name or match antonyms for familiar verbs/adjectives (L.PK.5b).
3. Connect words to real life (who uses it, where you find it, when you need it) (L.PK.5c).
4. Use clues from pictures/context to figure out or check a word’s meaning (L.PK.4).
5. Use new words in complete, simple sentences during talk and share (L.PK.6).

Standards Alignment — PreK

• L.PK.5a–c Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances:
  • a. Sort into categories; name categories.
  • b. Relate words to opposites (verbs/adjectives).
  • c. Identify real-life connections between words and their use.
• L.PK.4 Determine/clarify meaning of unknown words with support (picture/context).
• L.PK.6 Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, read-alouds, and responses.

Success Criteria — student language

• “I can sort pictures and say the category.” (L.PK.5a)
• “I can tell an opposite: hot/cold, big/small, push/pull.” (L.PK.5b)
• “I can say where/who/when for a word from my life.” (L.PK.5c)
• “I can use a picture clue to figure out a word.” (L.PK.4)
• “I can use my new word in a sentence.” (L.PK.6)