Divide a large paper or cardboard circle into four parts or make a large circle on the chalkboard. One part of the concept wheel lists the root word for the lesson. Have the students think of other terms that have the same or opposite meaning of the root word and list in the other three quadrants. For young children, it's appropriate to use a root word and the affixes such as "walk," "walked," "walking."
A word map helps children make connections among similar words. Map grouping helps students tie terms together with concepts such as events, characteristics, examples and ideas. Choose a phrase or word as the subject. Write the topic in a rectangle in the center of the page. Allow students time to brainstorm, create a list of terms then discuss the way they connect. Add them on the page around the related topic.
Children learn about words by hearing how storytellers use them. Pick out unusual terms in stories and discuss. Ask the students about similar words -- synonyms, and words with opposite meanings -- antonyms. Have the children write them in a sentence.
We use expressions in the English language that don't translate literately. Discuss some sayings and encourage students to write or discuss what they mean and what they would mean if they were interpreted literately. Sample expressions to discuss or write about include: "It's raining cats and dogs." "My neck is on the line." "He's a chip off the old block." "The apple does not fall far from the tree."