This purposeful activity has been designed to accompany a whole class reading of the picture book The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland. Students will be challenged to explore the vocabulary in the text, with a specific focus on antonyms.

With three different worksheets included, students will be able to explore antonyms in a way that suits their level of understanding. They can cut, sort, and paste; write antonyms; or match antonyms from the text. Whichever option you choose, this resource requires no preparation – simply print and teach!

The Very Cranky Bear: Antonym Audit is perfect for use during a focused lesson, as an independent task, in small groups, or even as an evidence-gathering activity for assessment. It also makes a great addition to your relief folder! With engaging and bold clipart, the resource brings vocabulary learning to life and encourages students to think more deeply about the words used in the text.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and understand antonyms
• ✅ Build vocabulary and comprehension skills
• ✅ Develop flexible thinking about word meanings
• ✅ Practise sorting, matching, and writing skills
• ✅ Strengthen connections to text through vocabulary exploration

What’s Included:

• The Very Cranky Bear: Antonym Audit (cut, sort, and paste activity)
• The Very Cranky Bear: Antonym Audit (write antonyms)
• The Very Cranky Bear: Antonym Audit (match antonyms)
• Answer sheets included for teacher or student-led correction

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets (choose from the three options provided)
• Scissors and glue sticks (for cut and paste option)
• Pencils or pens

How to Use:

1. Read The Very Cranky Bear as a class.
2. Discuss the concept of antonyms and how they appear in the story.
3. Choose the most suitable worksheet option for your students.
4. Students complete the activity independently or in small groups:
   • Cut, sort, and paste antonyms
   • Write antonyms
   • Match antonyms
5. Use the provided answers to check and discuss student responses as a class.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as an engaging follow-up activity after a shared reading of The Very Cranky Bear.
• 💡 Include in your literacy rotations for independent practise with vocabulary.
• 💡 Use as a small group scribing task to encourage oral discussion of word meanings.
• 💡 Provide for assessment evidence when tracking vocabulary or comprehension outcomes.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Enlarge the worksheets to A3 for Foundation students or those needing extra space to draw and write.
• 💛 Model how to identify antonyms in context before students begin the activity.
• 💛 Use the cut and paste version to support emerging writers and fine motor skills.
• 💛 Keep a copy of this activity in your relief folder for a no-prep, high-impact literacy task.

The Very Cranky Bear: Antonym Audit is a fun and flexible way to build vocabulary and deepen comprehension through meaningful text-based learning. It’s the perfect resource to support your literacy program when exploring this much-loved story!

Check out more amazing resources related to The Very Cranky Bear in our The Very Cranky Bear PACKAGE.

Available in our basic fun font and all Australian state fonts.