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Subject: ELA (English Language Arts), ESL/ELL (English Language Learning)
Lesson Length: 30 - 45 mins
Topic: Context Clues
Grade Level: 3, 4, 5, 6
Objective: Analysis
Standards: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.4.A
Standards:
Use context (e.g., definitions, examples, or restatements in text) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
Language Objective: Identify context clues within an instructional level text that help determine the meaning of an unknown word.
Brief Description: Students will practice using context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.
Know Before You Start: This lesson can be used as an introduction to context clues or a review.
Hook: Read and discuss the first two panels of the comic. Remind students that they can use context clues to help figure out the meaning of unknown words.
Activity:
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Have students read panels 3 through 6.
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Independently or with a partner, have students look for the context clues in order to define the vocabulary words shown in all CAPS.
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You may choose to model using sentence frames that are applicable for your students’ language level. The clue _____ tells me that ____ means _______.
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Extension - have students choose a vocabulary word and practice writing a sentence that includes a context clue. It helps if they choose words from a dictionary that no one in the class will be able to guess without clues.
Closure: Encourage students to use context clues while they are reading to determine the meaning of unknown words.
Differentiation: Create your own lesson comic adapting the sentences to be more complex or simple as needed.
Resources:
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Comic to print or display: Comic 1
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Online or print dictionaries for the extension activity
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Make your own comic with your avatar, and/or student avatars to increase engagement.
