Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Teaching Context Clues


Context clues are always so tough for me to teach!  Anyone else?  I have always been a reader and I think learning vocabulary has always been automatic for me, that sometimes I have a hard time slowing it down and teaching how to learn new vocabulary through context.  I also think using context clues are very tough for students to learn, which oftentimes make it difficult to teach as well.  Context clues are a HUGE part on the OAA.  I can't remember the exact number, but it is the second most frequently tested indicator in the fourth grade.  For all of these reasons, I'm getting a jump start on context clues this year!  

This year, I have decided to slow-it-down.  I'm going to break it down into at least four mini-lessons.  Each mini-lesson will focus on the different context clues strategies.  As each strategy is introduced, students will record notes on this sheet.  


Students will keep these notes in the "Notes" section of their Literacy Binders.  Each lesson will be taught on the Smart Board.  About three example sentences will be given, and students will first be shown, then guided on how to use each type of context clue.  Each mini-lesson is followed up with a quick assessment.  My co-teacher and I will use the assessments to determine who needs additional instruction and form strategy groups if needed.  My absolutely wonderful literacy coach (who I talk about often on here!) has also volunteered to help plan additional instruction/enrichment if needed.  I'm really hopeful that teaching context clues in this manner will help my students understand it better.  

What strategies or fool-proof lesson plans do you use to teach context clues?  

8 comments:

  1. It is really nice to know that you inspire others.

    I have nominated your blog for the Versatile Blogger Award.

    More details are available at my blog.

    Thank you for all you do.


    ❤Vintage Teacher
    Vintage Teacher

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  2. I have nominated your blog for The Versatile Blogger Award:) Stop by 4th Grade Frolics to Learn More:)

    4th Grade Frolics

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  4. Hi! I nominated you and your wonderful blog for “The Versatile Blogger” award. Go to The Teaching Thief for more info. :) ~Amanda

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  5. Add me to the list of teachers who have given you The Versatile Blogger Award! Thanks for being such an inspiration! : )

    http://mrsrobinsonsclassroomblog.blogspot.com/

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  6. I'm stopping by to present the Versatile Blogger Award to you!!

    frogsandcupcakes.blogspot.com

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  7. I love this note sheet that you've developed to help your students understand how to use context clues.

    Kaylee's Education Studio

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  8. Would love some recommendations for mentor texts that you use for teaching these different context clue mini-lessons.

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