Stop Using These 50 Dead Words in Student Writing (And What to Use Instead!)

 

Stop Using These 50 Dead Words in Student Writing (And What to Use Instead!)

 

If you are anything like me, you have probably read hundreds, maybe thousands of student writing samples filled with the same tired words: said, good, went... over and over and over again.

Sound familiar?
That’s when I started calling them what they are: dead words.

They are not “bad” words. They are just... tired. Overworked. Uninspiring. Our students have so much more to say. They just need the tools to say it better. And that's exactly why I created the Dead Words Synonym Posters! Keep reading to get to the link!



 What Are Dead Words?

Dead words are those super common, overused words that show up in student writing but don’t really carry much meaning. Think of them as dried-out markers. They work so much but they don’t bring anything to life.

The good news?
We can teach our students to replace those faint, overused words with stronger, more vivid synonyms that breathe energy into their writing.


 Why This Matters

When we give students better word choices, their writing becomes:

  •  More descriptive

  •  More expressive

  •  More visual

  •  More varied

  •  More confident

Even my most hesitant writers perk up when they are given options! They light up when they can swap “said” for “exclaimed” or “whispered.” It's such a simple shift, but it sparks real creativity.


Dead Words Posters

I have created a set of Dead Words Posters that would interest you.  50 Dead Words in Student Posters is packed with everything you need to help students bury those boring words and bring their writing to life.

Each of the 50 Dead Word Posters includes:

  • A “dead” word featured on a tombstone

  • 6–8 kid-friendly synonyms students can use instead

  • Fun, bold, and colorful visuals

  • A light-hearted “graveyard” theme that’s silly, not scary!

These posters are PERFECT for your writing wall, bulletin board, or writing center. I even shrink them down for students to keep in their writing folders for easy access all year long!

Stop Using These 50 Dead Words in Student Writing (And What to Use Instead!)



 Why Synonym Posters Work

Let’s be real! Kids love visuals. And when they can see their choices, they’re much more likely to try them out.

With these posters hanging in your classroom, your students will:

  • Choose stronger words independently

  • Take more risks in their writing

  • Get excited about revising and improving

And yes, and they will make it fun. You can set up a “Dead Words Graveyard” bulletin board where they literally bury the tired words and celebrate the new ones. It's such a hit!


 How To Use Them in Your Classroom

Here’s how  to make the most out of these posters:

  • Dead Word of the Week: Focus on one tired word and brainstorm better options.

  • Writing Challenges: Ask students to use three synonyms in their stories.

  • Mini Drama Breaks: Act out synonyms for “said” (like shouted, whispered, etc.)!

  • Student Editors: Kids help “retire” words and replace them with their own brilliant alternatives.

Even reluctant writers suddenly want to revise and polish their work, and that’s a teacher win in my book.


🎁 What You’ll Get in the Full Set

This resource includes:

  • ✅ 50 of the most commonly overused words in student writing

  • ✅ Over 300 synonym suggestions

  • ✅ Full-color, kid-friendly poster designs

  • ✅ Ready-to-print PDF for instant classroom use

It’s ideal for grades 2–5 and supports writing instruction, vocabulary building, and classroom engagement.


✨ Teacher Tip!

Print mini copies of the posters and tuck them into student writing folders or notebooks. Let them “collect” better words throughout the year! You could even create a synonym flipbook or interactive notebook section using these posters.


Ready to Bring Writing Back to Life?

If you’re ready to help your students replace dull words with dazzling ones, this resource is for you. Grab Stop Using These 50 Dead Words in Student Writing (And What to Use Instead!) on TpT here:
👉 50 Dead Words in Student Writing or on Payhip 👉Payhip Store

Trust me! You’ll wonder how you ever taught writing without it!

Let’s say goodbye to said, nice, and go for good... and hello to creative, confident young writers!

Happy teaching,
💛 Nicole
Teachers’ Idea 





Email Post

Comments

Post a Comment