Teaching Antonyms? Let Us Help!

If you’re getting ready to pick up your lesson plan book to write lesson plans for a unit on Antonyms, check this out before you begin! We’ve been busy building new resources to help you teach your students all about antonyms (opposite words) and synonyms! A game of antonyms dominos is bound to get your scholars excited for some wordplay fun.

How To Play Antonym Dominoes

Students will take turns matching each side of the dominoes to pair up opposing words. 

For example, if a player were to lay down the “hot | careful” domino, the next player would lay down the “cold” domino on the left or the “reckless” on the left and say the antonyms as they lay their piece down. Gameplay continues in this manner until all of the dominoes are gone. 

More Ways to Use This Antonyms Game 

Try using your antonym dominos differently! Here are some fun ideas!

🧠 Antonyms Brain Buster

As a small group or whole class, say each word aloud, one at a time, and discuss the definition. Then, give the students 30 seconds (you keep time) to think of as many antonyms for that word as they can. When the time is up, you can call on students to give you some examples of their words or compare their answers with a peer to see if there are any matching words among classmates.

👯‍♀️ Odd Man Out

Place three cards at each station, making sure two cards are antonyms, and the 3rd card doesn’t belong. Student pairs will rotate through each station and identify the matching words, writing their answers on a separate sheet of paper.  

🃏 Upcycle Into Playing Cards

When students no longer want to play dominoes, turn this game into a deck of cards! Break out your scissors and cut the dominoes in half. Students can play games like Match It, Go Fish, or Snap, to name a few. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher and Teach Starter Collaborator.