Multiple Meaning Words Speech Therapy: Enhancing Communication Skills

Are you looking for multiple meaning words? If so, you’ve come to the right place to grab our 197 multiple meaning word list + Freebie!! This free bundle includes a multiple meaning of the word worksheet plus multiple meaning words with pictures. Grab it below!

As a speech therapist and teacher, you know that multiple meaning words can be both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. Words like “bark,” “bat,” and “tear” have more than one meaning, which can be confusing, especially for children. In our speech therapy session, we can help to clarify these meanings, enrich language skills and improve communication! Understanding these words is a crucial part of developing strong language abilities. 

Okay – let’s get to it! This post is filled with information on understanding multiple meaning words in relation to language development as well as some strategies for teaching and therapeutic approaches. We found some great free resources on TPT, so be sure to check those out. You also can use our list of 197 Multiple Meaning Words and Freebie! It has word meanings + real life pictures, and you can download it below! 

​In this post we:

• Discuss how Multiple meaning words enhance language skills.
• Created a word list of 197 Multiple Meaning Words divided by grade level for you!
• Give you the best strategies and resources to use when teaching Multiple Meaning Words
• Provide a digital download of a FREE Multiple Meaning Worksheet bundle (divided by grade level) that is interactive + uses real life pictures!

Multiple Meaning Words are words that have more than one meaning, which can be revealed through context.

The Importance of Multiple Meaning Words in Language Development

Multiple meaning words are vital for building language skills. When kids learn these words, they get better at using language flexibly. This helps them to express themselves clearly and understand others better.

Struggling with these words is common in children with a language disorder. They may need extra help in language therapy. We can use tools like games or stories to teach different meanings. Learning how to use context clues also plays a big role. By figuring out the meaning of a word from the sentence around it, kids improve their comprehension. This skill is crucial for reading and communication. 

Identifying Multiple Meanings

We can identify multiple meanings by examining the context in which words are used. To do this, we encourage students to ask questions about the sentences they read or hear.

Creating a list of words with multiple meanings is beneficial. A word like “bark” can mean the sound a dog makes or the outer covering of a tree. Breaking words down like this not only helps kids but also teaches them about the flexibility of language.

Context clues are our tools for unlocking these meanings. By teaching students to examine surrounding words and situations, they become better readers and listeners. Identifying clues involves recognizing keywords or phrases that hint at a word’s meaning.

HERE IS OUR COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF 197 MULTIPLE MEANING WORDS! [Separated by Grade Level!]

1st Grade	2nd – 3rd Grade	4th – 5th Grade	6th – 8th Grade	9th -12th Grade
check	beat	shed	temple	base
hard	root	mold	advance	channel
mean	swing	right	stagger	program
jam	pen	jerk	upset	volume
bowl	rock	press	trace	spare
miss	stamp	scale	barge	current
club	seal	yard	date	division
over	bill	kid	practice	prune
eye	straw	patch	address	issue
dress	shake	judge	buckle	season
park	tap	train	rare	lounge
bolt	ring	trunk	lock	coach
bark	well	range	dab	tissue
nail	coat	note	patient	sentence
lie	play	quarter	company
dip	fan	crane	suit
fair	row	odd	harbor
last	tire	pitcher	novel
down	cast	pound	level
bat	float	chest	stuff
can	star	racket	plot
hide	light	trip	act
clip	brush	bow	organ
gum	band	order	master
box	deck	batter	credit
foot	sink	space	interest
file	duck	point	monitor
bit	wave	ear	marker
hit	plain	ship	foil
left	board	tackle	produce
show	tick	page	atmosphere
cook	paste	draft	frame
	fly	grade	dread
	blue	pipe	plane
	land	spot	tip
	bear	stable	key
	fall	watch	screen
	litter	clear	bitter
	sign	roll	chair
	fence	saw	film
	safe	mine	string
	change	pack	spell
	kind	case	negative
	squash	rose	staff
	spring	fast	country
	before	model
	head	store
	game	raise
	handle	stern
	ball	type
	nuts	face
		match

Strategies for Teaching Multiple Meaning Words

Multiple Meaning Words Activities

Teaching multiple meaning words can be engaging when we use diverse methods. We can incorporate task cards, technology, and structured lesson plans to make learning effective and fun. Here are some ideas to incorporate these strategies into your speech sessions! 

Using Task Cards

Task cards are a versatile tool. They can be used in special education settings or for home practice. These cards present word pairs with different meanings and encourage students to identify and explain each one. We like using a variety of activities such as matching, sorting, or sentence formation with these task cards! These engaging activities help keep the students interested and solidify their understanding! Also – try these with group learning! 

1. Multiple Meaning Word Task Cards – Intermediate Grades! Test Prep by The Owl Spot is a free set of high frequency multiple meaning task cards to use in different context areas like literacy center, whole class activities or morning/bell work!
2. Sample of Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words Task Cards by hollie michelle Middle School English and Reading are a set of multiple meaning words – probe students with context clues! 
3. FREE Multiple Meaning Words Homonyms Vocabulary Worksheets and Task Cards by The Calm SLP is a set of multiple meaning words to help work on vocabulary goals. These give a short definition and are a great way to practice target words.

Incorporating Technology

Technology offers interactive opportunities. Using digital downloads or platforms like Boom Learning, we can make learning accessible for distance learning. Interactive activities engage students and keep them motivated! Here at speech therapy – we love interactive resources – check out some of our favorites that target multiple meaning words!

1. Multi-Meaning Words Task Cards by Claire Bintz is a creative and engaging set of interactive task cards!
2. Multiple Meaning Words Task Cards Google Forms | Distance Learning by The Owl Spot is a great way to practice multiple meaning words with distance learning!
3. Multiple Meaning Words Homonyms for Middle School Boom Cards Sample Deck by Ivybee Speech requires a boom leaning account to practice meanings of each word in a fun and digital way!

Creating Effective Lesson Plans

Effective lesson plans play a key role in teaching multiple meaning words. We should focus on integrating English Language Arts standards. Including a mix of activities like reading, writing, and discussions will cater to different learning styles. Structured lesson plans help us track student progress. By setting clear objectives, we can help ensure that each session builds on vocabulary skills. Home practice can be part of these plans, using simple assignments to reinforce what students learn in class. Here are some lesson plan ideas for multiple meaning words!

1. Nouns & Verbs Worksheet (Multiple Meaning Words) in Print and Digital Easel by Den Hanson is a highly rated practice worksheet to add to your lesson plans for multiple meaning words! This can be a print and go or digital resource.
2. Multiple Meaning Words Activities FREEBIE by The Happy Leaning Den is a poster, task cards and answer key to teach multiple meaning words!
3. Multiple Meaning Words Worksheet, Free Multiple Meaning Activity for 2nd Grade by The Elementary Island is a great resource to use in your lesson plans! This freebie is geared to younger elementary ages and is print and go!
   
   SEE ALSO: IEP Goal Bank Posts

Adapting Materials for Different Age Groups

When working with multiple meaning words in speech therapy, it’s important to tailor activities for elementary students through to high school students. This ensures that materials meet the developmental and cognitive levels of each age group. Above, our word list is separated by grade level, so it makes sense that we should make sure our resources are age appropriate as well. Here are different free TPT Sellers for a variety of ages. 

Activities for Elementary Grades

For younger students, especially those in 1st grade, we can incorporate visual aids and simple games. Activities such as matching games and picture cards make learning more interactive. Storybooks with illustrations can help. Interactive storytelling encourages them to predict meanings based on context. We can also use songs or poems with words that have dual meanings, helping students learn in a fun way. We also love games like “Word Bingo” that can add an element of excitement while reinforcing vocabulary skills. Here are some resources for the elementary grades!

1. Multiple Meaning Picture Cards by kindertrips is a highly rated set of 28 picture cards to practice multiple meaning words and work on vocabulary word practice as well!
2. Multiple Meaning Words FREEBIE by Panda Speech is a visual cue worksheet when teaching multiple meaning words to elementary students!
3. Multiple Meaning Words Hoot Owl Homonyms Speech Therapy Freebie by Speech Sprouts is a fun cut and paste activity and poster to teach homonyms multiple meaning words!

Engaging Middle School Students

Middle school learners benefit from more complex tasks. They are ready for contextual exercises using short stories or passages where they identify and describe different meanings of words. This is a great age for group activities where peers work collaboratively to explore language.

Role-playing scenarios can make learning more fun! By assigning scenarios where a word might have different meanings, students can practice using them in different contexts. For English Language Learners, using stories and examples from diverse cultures can make activities more relatable. Here are some great resources for middle school multiple meaning words!

1. Multiple Meaning Word Task Cards – Intermediate Grades! Test Prep by The Owl Spot is a highly rated set of multiple meaning task cards made for middle school students.
2. Homophones Homonyms Multiple Meaning Words Activity Pun of the Week Free Sampler by Basically Speeching is an activity that includes wordplay, figurative language, homonyms, & puns!
3. DYNAMIC DUO! Sentence Correction and Multiple Meaning Words {Complete Set} by MissSpeak is a highly rated freebie! Use incorrect sentences and correct them with the correct word.
   
   SEE ALSO: 179+ Wh Questions Free Printable

Challenges for High School and Beyond

Older students, including high school and those in higher education, need sophisticated and engaging materials. They can handle analytical exercises exploring how word meanings change in different contexts or historical texts. Encouraging students to write essays or create presentations where they highlight these differences is effective. We also integrate technology, using apps and online resources where students can explore meanings through interactive digital platforms. High school students might explore etymology to understand how word meanings have evolved. Here are some resources for the high school age group!

1. Cariboo Multiple Meaning Words by PeachieSpeechie is a resource for every grade! Use this set of multiple meaning task cards with the Cranium Cariboo game to engage students in fun learning!
2. Multi-meaning words worksheet by The Magic of Speech is a worksheet from a vocabulary unit designed for older students
3. FREEBIE Defining Multiple Meaning Words: Guided Homework by Mrs. B SLP Speech Therapy Made Easy is a homework assignment to give to your high schoolers to help with multiple meaning word understanding.

Evaluation and Progress Monitoring

As speech language pathologists, when we work on the treatment of multiple meaning words, it’s essential to evaluate and monitor progress. This involves using assessments effectively, tracking vocabulary growth, and measuring engagement and outcomes.

Effective Use of Assessments

Assessments help us understand where each student stands with their multiple-meaning word skills. We can use multiple-choice slides to test comprehension. These quizzes are designed to identify if students can recognize and use different meanings of words correctly. Creating a word list of target words ensures we cover high-frequency vocabulary that students often encounter. By repeating assessments periodically, we can see how well our strategies are working. It lets us tailor instruction to meet each student’s needs.

We love Data! We have best selling Articulation and Language Baseline Tracking Bundles – easy to use, immediate download and made for you!

Tracking Vocabulary Growth

Monitoring vocabulary growth is crucial. We keep track of how many new vocabulary words each student learns over time. We maintain detailed records of each student’s progress using charts or tables. Feedback from these tracking methods allows us to adjust our teaching to help students learn better. 

Engagement and Outcome Measures

Measuring engagement and outcomes is key to understanding the effectiveness of our therapy sessions. We assess how often students participate and their interest levels during activities. High engagement often leads to better learning results!

Looking for Tier 2 Vocabulary Resources? Check out our Tier 2 Vocabulary Curriculum! With 700+ Tier 2 Words, Data Tracking, Pre and Post Tests, Vocabulary Lists and Definitions, this digitally interactive curriculum is completely made for you to help students reach their vocabulary goals!

Resources and Tools for Clinicians and Educators

Clinicians and educators working with multiple meaning words can benefit from a variety of resources and tools. These include comprehensive materials, engaging online platforms, and strategies for supporting independent work. 

Comprehensive Materials are vital for effective sessions. We should be using diverse materials that encourage learning and engagement. We love the tpt store for this! To teach multiple-meaning words, speech-language pathologists should also make sure we are using fun games! Make sure to choose activities that cater to different learning styles so that each student’s needs are being met!

Engaging Online Platforms make learning engaging, interactive and fun. There are many that offer a free trial. We also love using PDF Readers such as Adobe or Kami to make learning engaging, and interest based for our students! 

Supporting Independent Work should always be a goal as it helps our students with their growth and independence. Structured resources help build confidence, or we can mix guided and independent work to encourage self discovery and problem solving! 

SEE ALSO: 21 Best Reinforcement Games for Speech Therapy

Conclusion

Speech Therapy Store is set on making your work life easier! We hope this post offers you some great resources to use, as well as gives you ideas for how to make your multiple meaning words speech therapy sessions engaging and effective! As always, we created a freebie for you to use today! Enjoy this bundle of Multiple Meaning Words List + Activity! This is created for all grades and we used real life pictures and made this interactive so that it is immediately ready for you to use! It is differentiated with a fill in the blank option or multiple choice options! Download it today and add it to your Speech Therapy Tool Kit! Cheers to free resources and effective speech therapy sessions! 

No-Prep: Print and Go Option

Do you want a no-prep print and go option? Simply print out any of the pages in our free bundle and you will have a no-prep multiple meaning words activities.

List of Multiple Meaning Words

In addition, this bundle includes a list of multiple meaning words by grade.

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