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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhat are context clues?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Context clues are hints found within a sentence or paragraph, that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/a>A new word\u2019s meaning can often be determined from clues in the surrounding sentences. What comes before and after a new word can help students determine its meaning as well as how it is used in a sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the 5 main types of context clues?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Knowing the different types of context clues helps students better identify these clues in texts. There are 5 main types of context clues that students should learn in elementary classrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/a>- \n
- Definition<\/strong>: When the meaning of the unknown word is directly given in the sentence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Examples<\/strong>: When examples of the unknown word are given in the sentence or sentences around the word.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Synonyms<\/strong>: When the sentence gives a word that means the same thing as the unknown word.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Antonyms<\/strong>: When the sentence gives a word that means the opposite of the unknown word.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inferences<\/strong>: When there is no clear explanation of the unknown word, so you have to look around the word for other clues and hints in the sentence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Examples of Context Clues<\/h2>\n\n\n
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<\/a>Context Clues Anchor Chart (source<\/a><\/strong>)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n While you teach context clues, you’ll want to give plenty of examples of each type of context clue for students to fully grasp how to apply this skill. The following sentences contain examples of each type of clue. The words in bold represent an unknown word, while the words in italics represent the context clue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- An atlas<\/strong> is a book of maps and charts<\/em>. (Definition)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The story was full of fictional <\/strong>creatures, such as unicorns, dragons, and mermaids<\/em>. (Example)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Just like her caring<\/strong> sister, Allie is very compassionate<\/em>. (Synonym)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The house across the street may be valuable<\/strong>, but this one is a worthless shack<\/em>. (Antonym)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The storm kept Tim up all night<\/em>. When morning came, he was still drowsy<\/strong>. (Inference)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How do I teach context clues?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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<\/a>Context Clues Teaching PowerPoint (source<\/a><\/strong>)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Questions to Ask Students When Teaching Context Clues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the context clues strategies I have found most helpful is to ask specific questions about unknown words students encounter while reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- What information comes before or after that word that gives you a hint to what the word means?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How is the word used in the sentence? In what context is the word used?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What part of speech do you think this word is? Is it an action word, a describing word, or the name of a person, place, or thing?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Determining the parts of speech<\/a> as a strategy for teaching context clues can give students even more insight into the unknown word’s meaning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Context Clues Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n
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<\/a>Context Clues Worksheets (source<\/a><\/strong>)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Try one or more of these fun activities to get students engaged in your context clues lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Task Card Gallery Walk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Display context clues task cards throughout your classroom. Then, have students work independently<\/a> or in small groups to use context clues to determine the meanings of unknown words on the task cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find Context Clues in Kid-Centered Newspaper Articles<\/h3>\n\n\n
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<\/a>Context Clues Grammar Gazette Passage (source<\/a><\/strong>)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Give students a kid-friendly newspaper article and have them search for context clues for unknown words within the article. Alternatively, have students write articles themselves and trade with a partner to complete this activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Play Online Context Clues Games<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
These online games can be used as a whole class activity, or students can play independently on their devices. You can also use these games as an option for a centers activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The story was full of fictional <\/strong>creatures, such as unicorns, dragons, and mermaids<\/em>. (Example)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Examples<\/strong>: When examples of the unknown word are given in the sentence or sentences around the word.<\/li>\n\n\n\n