Thinking sheet · Stories and words

Better Than “Said”

Collect lively words to use instead of “said,” and act out how each one sounds.

Grades
2–5
Time
about 20 minutes
Kids practice
vocabulary, word choice, dialogue

What kids do

““Said” is tired. Find words with more pizazz!”

  1. One word in each card. Draw a face that shows how it sounds.
  2. A sentence using my favorite word:

How to run it

  • Ideas: whispered, shouted, giggled, grumbled.
  • Act out each word aloud.
  • Make a class word wall.

Talk about it

  • Which word is loudest?
  • Which is sneakiest?
  • When is “said” just fine?

Take it further

Rewrite a page of dialogue.

Pairs well with

Free for home and classroom use. Print as many copies as you need.

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