Acronyms

In this lesson, students learn about and practice using acronyms. They will review abbreviations and learn the differences between initialisms and acronyms. They will then be given examples of each. Students practice matching abbreviations with the correct word and will determine which are initialisms. Next, they will be given a list of common acronyms and have a chance to guess what they are, followed by an acronym matching game! The lesson ends with a fun activity where students get to write their own notes using as many abbreviations, initialisms, and acronyms as they can.

Discuss examples of abbreviations and how they’re used. Go over examples of initialisms and how they’re used. Next, have students slide the matching abbreviation to the correct place on the chart, then tell which abbreviation is an initialism. After this activity, discuss examples of acronyms and how they’re used. Introduce a list of common acronyms. On the next slide, have students try to guess what each acronym means. Students will then participate in a matching activity, taking turns matching the acronyms with their meanings.

Students read a scenario in which they need to leave a note for their mother, informing her that they are out walking the dog. They should use as many abbreviations, initialisms, and acronyms as they can. They can then share their note with the class!