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AA.1 Learn multiple-meaning words

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What Are Multiple-Meaning Words?

Multiple-meaning words are words that can mean more than one meaning. The meaning changes depending on how the word is used in a sentence.

Examples of Multiple-Meaning Words:
  • Bat: an animal that flies or a stick used in baseball
  • Ring: jewelry for a finger or the sound of a bell
  • Watch: a small clock you wear or to look at something
  • Book: something you read or to reserve a seat
Helpful to Remember

Listening carefully to the sentence helps us know which meaning of the word is correct.

Why Multiple-Meaning Words Matter

Understanding multiple-meaning words helps children figure out the right meaning in reading, listening, and speaking. This builds vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Examples in Use:
  • Bat: β€œThe bat flew in the sky.” / β€œHe hit the ball with a bat.”
  • Ring: β€œShe wore a gold ring.” / β€œDid you hear the ring of the bell?”
  • Watch: β€œHe wore a watch on his wrist.” / β€œLet’s watch the show.”
Helpful to Remember

Practice asking, β€œWhich meaning makes sense?” when a word can mean more than one meaning.

How to Learn Multiple-Meaning Words

Children learn best through simple examples, stories, and conversations. Modeling and practicing both meanings of a word helps them understand how to use the word correctly.

Ways to Learn:
  • Show a picture of a bat (animal) and a baseball bat
  • Read a story and pause to ask which meaning of a word makes sense
  • Use real objects: show a ring and listen to a bell ring
  • Play a matching game with words and their two meanings
Helpful to Remember

Connecting words to real objects, actions, and stories makes it easier for children to remember both meanings.

Fun Practice with Multiple-Meaning Words

Games and activities make learning multiple-meaning words fun. Children learn better when they can play, explore, and talk about different meanings.

Practice Activities:
  • Picture Match: Match a word to two pictures that show different meanings
  • Sentence Sort: Listen to two sentences and decide which meaning the word has
  • Act It Out: Pretend to watch TV and then point to a wrist watch
  • Daily Chat: Use words in both meanings during routines and play
Helpful to Remember

Short, playful practice helps children build confidence in using words with more than one meaning.

Focus Vocabulary: Multiple-Meaning Words

Here are some important multiple-meaning words for children to practice. Use them often in natural conversations.

Focus Words:
  • Bat
  • Ring
  • Watch
  • Book
  • Park
Helpful to Remember

Encouraging children to practice these words in different sentences helps them recognize and use both meanings correctly.