Lesson Idea for Context Clues Here’s a simple lesson idea from flocabulary.com on how to teach context clues.

Step 1: Ask About Tough Words 1. Ask if any students know the meanings of the words “gaunt,” “aloof,” “forlorn,” and “commercial vehicle.” Likely, none will. Tell them that you are going to reveal a powerful detective technique that will sometimes allow them to figure out what these words mean, as well as others, without ever looking at a dictionary.

Step 2: Provide Context 2. Give out examples of those words in sentences. Review the definition of context clues. More on that in this post.

Step 3: Explain and Attempt 3. Explain that there are different types of context clues. Explain that students can use this tool in all of their reading. Explain that when the context-clue approach doesn’t work, students should either keep reading or look up the word in the dictionary. Work through examples with the class. Have students underline the part of the sentence that gives a clue, and then write out a definition. *Later in this post, I’ll share some context clues resource that are specifically designed for this type of practice.

Two Simple Strategies for Teaching Context Clues

Why teach context clues?

Word meanings can be constructed from the clues before, within, and after the sentence with the unknown word. There are also clues within the word.

The context surrounding an unknown word can help a student understand its structure, how it’s used, and ultimately its meaning. Struggling readers need us to explicitly teach these concepts. With clear instruction, they can draw upon multiple approaches to determine word meanings.

Research Shows that students who struggle with reading need us to explicitly teach these skills. They can not simply be “discovered” through reading and reading more. Research shows that students who struggle with reading need us to explicitly teach these skills. They can not simply be “discovered” through reading and reading more.

How to teach context clues?

Sound, evidence-based approaches such as direct instruction, spiral review, choice in reading materials, and varied interaction (including technology) with new words will help students learn to use context clues. There are several types of context clues that students must be able to identify:

Synonyms & antonyms Descriptions Syntax (i.e. is the word a noun or a verb in this sentence?) Word parts (morphology)

Research Shows According to the According to the Council for Learning Disabilities , “Vocabulary knowledge is the single most important factor contributing to reading comprehension.”

Resources that Scaffold Context Clues

It’s not enough to teach context clues or to provide practice worksheets. Students need quality practice with resources that amount to more than a worksheet. Scavenger hunts (like this one for text features) and task cards are designed for student engagement.

Students also need practice with more support and intentional scaffolding (Read more about the effects of too little and too much Scaffolding) than just a book.