For some kids, using context clues to determine the meaning of a word just seems to come naturally. They read a few sentences, zoom in on the clues, and infer the word meaning easily. Unfortunately, the majority of my students struggle with vocabulary and using context clues.
I’ve found the key to helping students uncover and use the clues is to teach them the specific types of clues to look for and then model and practice like crazy!
The trick to practicing these strategies is to find read alouds that offer lots of opportunities for using the different types of clues.
Here are a few of my favorites (affiliate links):
Dear Mrs. LaRue, by Mark Teague
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters, by John Steptoe
Baloney (Henry P.), by Jon Scieszka
A Bad Case of the Stripes, by David Shannon
I’ve also created sets of Inferring Task Cards that are great for practicing using the different types of clues.
My Traits and Feelings Task Cards require students to determine the meaning of character traits and feelings.
My Synonyms Task Cards require students to use clues to determine word meaning and then choose the appropriate synonym.
I’d love to know what other books you use for teaching context clues!
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My 4th grade students really struggle with this as well. This is a skill I try to incorporate all year through read alouds and in the content areas as well, but I also like to do a lot of explicit instruction. I believe I’ll use your chart as a way to reteach and review this skill. Thanks for the idea! ~CourtneyPolka Dot Lesson Plans