Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Using Context Clues to Figure Out New Words

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

4, 5

Overview

This video resource will provide fourth- and fifth-grade students with a strategy to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words using context clues. This video demonstrates using the "IDEAS Method" (Inference, Definition, Example, Antonym, and Synonym) to learn new words. By looking at words around a new word, the lesson activity helps students to understand new vocabulary.

    English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 4

    ELA21.4.R2

    Use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar spoken or written words.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:ELA21.4.R2

    Vocabulary

    • Context clues
    • Determine
    • Unfamiliar spoken words
    • Unfamiliar written words

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Context clues in speech or text can provide the meaning of unfamiliar words.
    • There are different types of context clues, including: inference/general clues, definition/explanation clues, restatement/synonym clues, and contrast/antonym clues.
    • Context clues in text are often indicated by punctuation marks.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words in speech.
    • Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words in text.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • An author or a speaker use context clues to explain the meaning of unusual words or academic, domain-specific vocabulary.
    English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 5

    ELA21.5.R2

    Use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar spoken or written words.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:ELA21.5.R2

    Vocabulary

    • Context clues
    • Determine
    • Unfamiliar spoken words
    • Unfamiliar written words

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Context clues in speech or text can provide the meaning of unfamiliar words.
    • There are different types of context clues, including: inference/general clues, definition/explanation clues, restatement/synonym clues, and contrast/antonym clues.
    • Context clues in text are often indicated by punctuation marks.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words in speech.
    • Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words in text.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • An author or a speaker use context clues to explain the meaning of unusual words or academic, domain-specific vocabulary.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Audio/Video

    Resource Provider

    Khan Academy
    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
    License

    License Type

    Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike
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