Understanding connotation and denotation are important to reading comprehension and developing writing skills. While denotation refers to the literal, dictionary definition of a word, connotations are more subtle. Nouns, adjectives and other modes of description used in writing have implied meanings: cultural, social and emotional overtones. These implied meanings are connotations. Connotative
. meanings are suggested, while denotation is straightforward. Both connotation and denotation exist side-by-side in writing and must be considered for full comprehension.Students generally begin to learn the difference between connotation and denotation around the fifth grade, but lessons can begin earlier. As students begin discovering more advanced literature and vocabulary, teachers include more sophisticated connotation and denotation activities in the classroom.http://www.teachervision.fen.com/vocabulary/printable/5413.htmlFor eighth to tenth graders, the above link gives teachers a set of five printable lessons with connotation and denotation activities. The first one focuses on vocabulary words followed by an exercise asking them to write down positive and negative meanings (connotations) for each word in two columns. The second part of the exercise includes writing sentences containing words from both columns to understand the emotional impact created by contrasting the connotations of each word. Visit the link to discover more about the next lesson plans.http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CC0QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.verdugohs.org%2Fourpages%2Fauto%2F2008%2F3%2F5%2F1204737919343%2FDenotation%2520Connotation%2520Unit%25209AB.doc&ei=42PjTtP8Lofrtge9t7DoAw&usg=AFQjCNFoqCi855QubEAEpPTBw1CafadvpQ&sig2=Y7s4hVUYRWybRfBit1LCAQThe link above will download a connotation/denotation exercise for ninth and tenth graders. First, a list of common words with a variety of their connotative meanings is presented to introduce the ideas. Students and teachers orally discuss both literal meanings of these words and any associations the different words have. A list of sentences is then given to the students, about which they are asked several questions to distinguish between connotation and denotation. More words are presented with a discussion of which word has the most positive or negative connotation. At the end of the lesson material a quiz is to test comprehension.http://ims.ode.state.oh.us/ODE/IMS/Lessons/Web_Content/CER_LP_S02_BC_L08_I02_01.pdfAbove is a complete lesson package for eighth graders. It contains a lesson guide with explanations and examples, worksheets and homework. The three-day lesson plan also covers diction and mood.More reference links: http://www.teachervision.fen.com/vocabulary/printable/5413.html http://ims.ode.state.oh.us/ODE/IMS/Lessons/Web_Content/CER_LP_S02_BC_L08_I02_01.pdf
