The Very Cranky Bear: Synonym Sort is designed to be completed after a whole class reading of The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland. It is an engaging resource that will challenge students to consider synonyms for words from the text, while building vocabulary and strengthening understanding of word choice.

Students will read the words included on the worksheet, then determine synonyms that could be used as replacements. This can be completed by cutting and pasting synonyms under the target words or writing synonyms on the lined worksheets. Both 24mm and 18mm lined options are included to suit your class needs.

Synonym Sort is perfect for use after reading The Very Cranky Bear, during Literacy Rotations, as a writing warm-up, or stored in a relief folder. However you use it, this resource is guaranteed to promote thoughtful word choice and have a noticeable impact on your students’ vocabulary. Answers are included to make teacher or student-led correction a breeze.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify synonyms for familiar words
• ✅ Build vocabulary and understanding of word meaning
• ✅ Develop flexible thinking about language choices
• ✅ Strengthen oral and written language skills
• ✅ Understand the impact of word choice on meaning and tone

What’s Included:

• Cut and paste synonym sort worksheet
• Synonym writing worksheet (24mm lines)
• Synonym writing worksheet (18mm lines)
• Answer sheets for teacher or student correction

Materials Needed:

• Printed The Very Cranky Bear: Synonym Sort worksheets
• Pencils, crayons, markers
• Scissors and glue (for cut and paste activity)

How to Use:

1. Read The Very Cranky Bear with your class.
2. Discuss key vocabulary from the story and the idea of synonyms.
3. Choose the worksheet option that best suits your students.
4. Students complete the activity by cutting and pasting synonyms or writing them on the lined worksheet.
5. Use the provided answers to check and discuss responses as a class.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use after a whole-class reading of The Very Cranky Bear as a vocabulary extension task.
• 💡 Include in Literacy Rotations to build flexible word knowledge.
• 💡 Use as a writing warm-up to encourage thoughtful word choice.
• 💡 Add to your relief folder for a no-prep, high-impact vocabulary activity.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 After completing Synonym Sort, have students rewrite sentences from The Very Cranky Bear using their chosen synonyms. This demonstrates how messages can be conveyed differently and highlights the impact of word choice on meaning.
• 💛 Model how to brainstorm synonyms as a class before students begin their independent work.
• 💛 Display completed synonym charts or sentence rewrites in your classroom to celebrate vocabulary growth.
• 💛 Use the activity as a springboard for a broader lesson on descriptive writing or author's craft.

The Very Cranky Bear: Synonym Sort is a fun and flexible way to build vocabulary and encourage thoughtful word choices in your students' writing. It’s the perfect companion to your literacy unit on this much-loved text!

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.