Using Context Clues to Figure Out New Words

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

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.

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.

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.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

Khan Academy

License Type

Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike

Accessibility

Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
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