Vocabulary Worksheet · Grades 5–8

Kennings Worksheet

A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 5-8 on kennings. Students learn that a kenning is a two-word poetic phrase that renames something with a comparison, then interpret eight kennings. A complete answer key is included.

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Subject

Vocabulary

Grades

Grades 5–8

Skill Focus

Kennings, word formation

Lesson Length

25 minutes

Lesson Overview

About this worksheet

A kenning is a short, poetic phrase – usually two words – that renames something using a comparison instead of naming it directly. Kennings come from Old English and Norse poems such as Beowulf, and they make familiar things sound fresh and grand. This worksheet has students decode kennings into plain meanings.

The reference box and Section A are on page 1. Section A has eight kennings, and students write what each one most likely means. The reference box teaches the idea with two different example kennings, so the eight items stay independent of the model.

Section B on page 2 has four short-response questions, including writing a kenning of their own. Page 3 is a complete answer key with sample answers. The skill builds on compound words and figurative language.

How to Use This Lesson

Read the reference box aloud and unpack each example kenning.

Complete Section A on page 1 independently, decoding each kenning.

Discuss the comparison hidden inside each kenning.

Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check.

Pair with the Compound Words Worksheet or the Similes and Metaphors Worksheet.

Printable Resource

A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.

Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key