Context Clues

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.

Resources:

Using Context Clues to Understand Word Meanings from Reading Rockets
Frayer Model for vocabulary development
Word Map from ReadWrite Think
Own the Word - Another word map for vocabulary development with context clues
6 Steps to Better Vocabulary Instruction, by Robert J. Marzano

Digital Tips:

In NEWSELA, pay attention to "power words" and introduce them to students before they begin to read.
Vocabulary List Builder - Read & Write [video]: Using the Read & Write app, show students how to use the highlighting tool as an embedded dictionary (both text and images), and show students how to export a vocabulary list and then add their own original sentences to a Google Doc.

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.

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