Instruction in specific types of context clues is an effective approach for teaching students to use context to infer word meanings. Baumann and his colleagues recommend teaching five types of context clues: definition, synonym, antonym, example, and general. This sample lesson model can be adapted and used to enhance contextual analysis instruction in any commercial reading program.
Tell students that they can sometimes use context clues to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word they come across in their reading. Remind them that context clues are the words, phrases, and sentences surrounding an unfamiliar word that can give hints or clues to its meaning. Caution students that although these clues can prove to be helpful, they can sometimes be misleading.
Teach/Model
Definition context clues Give students copies of the Types of Helpful Context Clues chart. Briefly go over the chart, identifying the types of context clues and discussing the example for each one. Tell students that they should refer to the chart as they learn more about the five different types of context clues.
Explain to students that in a definition clue the author provides the reader with the specific definition, or meaning, of a word right in the sentence. Point out that words such as are, is, means, and refers to can signal that a definition clue may follow. Then print the following sentences on a transparency:
A conga is a barrel-shaped drum.
At night your can see constellations, or groups of stars, in the sky.
Read aloud the first sentence.
Say: I'm going to look for a context clue to help me understand the meaning of the word conga.
Underline conga in blue.
Say: In the sentence, I see the word is. The word is can signal a definition context clue.
Underline is in red.
Say: The phrase a barrel-shaped drum follows the word is.
Underline the context clue in green.
Say: A conga is a barrel-shaped drum. The author has given a definition context clue.
