Dynamic Curriculum Project 2015

Topic & Grade Level: Connotations and Denotations

Objective: 1)Students will understand the difference between connotations and denotations.
2)Students will understand that they can use their knowledge of connotations to improve
their writing.
3)Students will develop more complex writing skills by incorporating their knowledge of
connotation into their work.
Standard: L8.5c Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in
word meanings. [Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations
(definitions) (e.g., bullheaded, willful, firm, persistent, resolute).]

RI8.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative,
connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone,
including analogies or allusions to other texts.

RL8.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and
connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including
analogies or allusions to other texts.

Materials: Connotations and Denotations Power Point

Connotation and Denotation Extension Worksheet

Connotation and Denotation Worksheet

Setting: The lesson begins as an entire class grouping. Activities in the Power Point could be individual
or group depending upon the ability level of the class. Worksheets can serve as individual assessments
or as group work to reinforce the objectives of the lesson.

Procedures: 1) Introduce the lesson using the Power Point. Discuss and give examples as needed. Allow
the students to work through the activities to develop their knowledge of denotation and connotation.

2) Reinforce the lesson with the worksheets that are attached to this lesson.

3) Instruct student to use their knowledge of connotation and denotation in their writing to more
accurately “paint a picture” for their readers.

Questions: 1) What is connotation?

2) What is denotation?
3) What is the difference between connotation and denotation?

Lesson Plan by: YOUR NAME

 Dynamic Curriculum Project 2015

4) What other words can you name that could have different connotations and denotations?
5) How can understanding connotations impact your writing?
6) In your reading, identify words whose connotation impacts the story, the mood of the reader,
or the visualization that the reader gets from the story/book?
Differentiation: Higher-performing students – Assign them the extension activity of finding connotations
in the news. Political articles or news stories might be a good place to look, especially when they
compare and contrast the images created by differing viewpoints.

Lower-performing students – Allow group work for the activities and for some of the work from the
worksheets. Allow them to write notes about denotation and connotation of words.

Assessment: Connotation and Denotation Extension Worksheet and/or Connotation and Denotation
Worksheet could be used to assess student knowledge.

Students will continue to be assessed on this throughout the year as they develop better, more complex
writing habits.

Resources:

Connotation and Denotation Extension Worksheet from Bow Valley College

http://bowvalleycollege.ca/Documents/Learning%20Resource%20Services/Library%20Learning%20Com
mons/E-Resources/Study%20guides/writing%20deno_conno.pdf

Connotation and Denotation Worksheet from Mill Creek High School

http://millcreekhs.com/attachments/article/870/VocabLesson%20-%20Denotation%20-
%20Connotation%2023%20%281%29.pdf

Connotation and Denotation Power Point

Lesson Plan by: YOUR NAME