Finding Context Clues

Finding Context Clues What are they? Why do they matter?

Anticipatory Set • What is one way to find the definition of a word? • What do we do if there is no dictionary or glossary? What is something we could do next? • We should look for context clues.

Standards • L 6.4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. – Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.

Objectives • Using the article and their glossary, you will determine/ clarify the meaning of unknown words. • You will analyze the text, and apply these words into new sentences.

Language of the Discipline (Input) • Context clues are information that appear near a word or phrase, in context, and gives direct or indirect suggestions about the new meaning. • Often, writers include words or phrases to help the reader understand what the new word means.

Types of Context Clues (Input) • Synonyms, Restatements, Definitions – Synonyms are words or phrases that are nearly the same. – Ex: Mr. Mireles had a tedious, or busy schedule. – This can also be an example of a restatement. – We see definitions all the time in our informational texts.

Types of Context Clues (Input) • Antonyms or Contrasts – Antonyms are the exact opposite of the word. – Ex: Unlike Mr. Chapel who was eloquent, Mr. Mireles had trouble with public speaking. – This is also an example of a contrast. – Using this example we can see that being eloquent is having the ability to speak well in public.

Words with Multiple Meanings (Input) • Some words have multiple meanings. • We have seen this in our Reading Informational assessments. • We are able to easily determine the meaning through the use of context clues. • Think about how we looked at words with different meanings like harmony and tools.

Modeling • How do we find the meaning of words using context clues? • Let’s go ahead and look at the steps to find the meaning for the word “buoy”. • Open up the file titled “Frayer Model” in Google Classroom.

Frayer Model (Modeling) Your definition from Context Clues

A floatation device used to measure things. Key words: ships, floating, ocean

Definition found from glossary

An anchored float serving as a navigation mark, to show reefs and other hazards, or for mooring.

Word

Buoy Illustration of the word

Word in a sentence

In order to help fishermen, we place buoys which float and show us where hazardous areas are located.

Checking for Understanding 1. Using your whiteboard, create a Frayer model for the word vortex. 2. Use context clues to determine what the word means. Write the context clues down in the upper left square. 3. Next, use your glossary to find the definition of the word 4. Sketch or illustrate a simple drawing to help you remember the meaning 5. Finally, create a new sentence using vortex.

Guided and Independent Practice • GP: Using the article, create another chart for one word. • Make sure to highlight the context clues and show me which key words support your meaning. • When you are finished, see me. If you receive a star, you can continue to Independent Practice.

• IP: Using the article, create a chart for three more words, highlighting the context clues.