What: Readers use context clues to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word by relying on knowledge of clues within the sentence and surrounding sentences, word roots, related words, and by activating prior knowledge and applying logic.
Why effective? The use of context clues supports reading comprehension and vocabulary development. Through explicit instruction in relying on context clues strategies, readers grow in their ability to make meaning out of unfamiliar words within a text.
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References
Allen, J. (1999). Words, words, words: Teaching vocabulary in grades 4-12. York, ME: Stenhouse Publishers.
Harmon , J. M., & Hedrick, W. B. (2005). Research on vocabulary instruction in the content areas: Implications for struggling readers. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 21, 261-280. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Karen_Wood7/publication/247498720_Research_on_Vocabulary_Instruction_in_the_Content_Areas_Implications_for_Struggling_Readers/links/00b7d53c5224a36961000000.pdf
Rosenbaum, C. (2001). A word map for middle school: A tool for effective vocabulary instruction. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 45, 44–49.