• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Ways to move: walk, tiptoe, stomp, dash; Shades of meaning). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Read the question and pick the best word. Which word means jumping on one foot? (stroll / march / crawl / hop) → hopPrompt: All of the words are ways to do something. Picture each one.
2. Which word is the WEAKEST (least strong)? huge, big, gigantic (huge / big / gigantic) → bigPrompt: These words mean nearly the same thing but some are stronger.
3. Read the question and pick the best word. Which word means talking very quietly into someone's ear? (shout / whisper / yell / cheer) → whisperPrompt: All of the words are ways to do something. Picture each one.

• Show an interesting word in a sentence and ask what it might mean from the clues around it.
• Share the objective: Choose a precise verb (went → trudged, said → whispered). Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Choose the verb that fits the meaning best. The mouse ___ at a tiny crumb of cheese.
• Step 1: A precise verb shows the reader exactly how something happened.
• Step 2: Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "The mouse nibbled at a tiny crumb of cheese."
• Step 3: So the answer is: nibbled
• Answer: nibbled
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. Choose the verb that fits the meaning best. The thief ___ past the sleeping guard. (crept / marched / stomped / thundered) → creptPrompt: Look for clue words: exhausted, excited, silent, hungry, angry.
2. Read the question. Which verb shows that Mia was being secretive? Mia ___, "Don't tell anyone." (whispered / announced / bellowed / cheered) → whisperedPrompt: What feeling does the question ask about?

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. Choose the verb that fits the meaning best. The excited puppy ___ around the garden. (trudged / limped / bounded / crept) → boundedPrompt: Look for clue words: exhausted, excited, silent, hungry, angry.
2. Read the question. Which verb shows that Kai was upset and crying? Kai ___, "I miss my old school." (joked / cheered / sobbed / laughed) → sobbedPrompt: What feeling does the question ask about?

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-4.