Scott Greenwood and Kevin Flanigan came up with a mnemonic to explain the steps:

LPR3

Look-before, at, and after the new word

Predict-quickly predict the word's meaning, remembering that a wrong prediction is often a good start

Reason-think more carefully about the word's meaning, trying to be as precise as the context clues permit

Resolve-recognize that you may need to take other steps (e.g., look it up, ask someone)

Redo-go through the steps again if necessary [2] There are a variety of types of context cues. Some people contend that there are four types, five types or even six types. Here is a quick summary of some different types of cues:

Definitionthe word is defined directly and clearly in the sentence in which it appears.

The arbitrator, the neutral person chosen to settle the dispute, arrived at her

decision. [3] Signal words: is, are, or, means, refers to [4]

Antonym (or contrast)often signaled by the words whereas, unlike, or as opposed to. Unlike Jamaals room, which was immaculate, Jeffreys room was very messy. Whereas Melissa is quite lithe, her sister is clumsy and awkward. [5] Signal words: but, however, although, not, dispite, some, but others, on the other

hand, unlike whereas, yet [6] Synonym (or restatement)other words are used in the sentence with similar meanings. The slender woman was so thin her clothes were too big on her. [7] Signal words: also, as like, same, too [8]

Inferenceword meanings are not directly described, but need to be inferred from the

context.

Walts pugnacious behavior made his opponent back down. The man gigged the large fish, but he needed his friend to enlarge the hole to drag it

out of the frigid water. [9] Explanation : The unknown word is explained within the sentence or in a sentence

immediately preceding. The patient is so somnolent that she requires medication to help her stay awake for

more than a short time. [10] Signal words: for example, such as, include, because, commas or dashes that

separate an explanation or example [11] Example: Specific examples are used to define the term. Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are governed by predictable

laws. [12] Signal words: for example, like, such as, including [13]

Context Clues Lesson Plan Word Detectives Unlocking Word Meaning

Word Detective - Clarita Teach students to figure out unfamiliar words using context clues. Cut down on questions for teacher and the use of dictionaries to find word meaning.

Students will read faster and with better comprehension when they learn how to find word meaning independently. While there will always be a need for a dictionary and help from the teacher, students will become better readers when they learn how to unlock word meaning using context clues. Materials

paper textbooks teacher made copies with two or three paragraphs pencils

Context Clues Lesson Plan Objectives

Students identify context clues, i.e. synonyms, antonyms,restatements, definitions, examples

Students use context clues to find the meanings of new words

Hints About Meanings of New Words

Tell students that they are going to be word detectives. Explain that when they come to a new word in their reading the first thing they should do is decide whether they have to know the word in order to get the meaning of the paragraph. As word detectives they may not have a case. If they can understand the meaning of the story or article without knowing a certain word, its okay to skip over that word and keep reading.

Tell them there is a way for word detectives to find the meaning of new words by themselves. Authors sometimes give clues called context clues. Context clues are hints that help readers discover the meaning of unfamiliar words. Different Kinds of Context Clues

Explain that context clues are words that come before or after the new word and that there are several different kinds of context clues. Write these words on the dry erase board, saying them and reviewing their meanings as you write.

1. definition 2. synonym 3. antonym 4. example 5. explanation

Write these sentences on the dry erase board, underlining the unfamiliar words. Do not write the answers in parentheses.

The joey, which is a baby kangaroo, peeked out of his mother's pocket. (definition)

The beach was covered with debris like paper and cans,and the children picked up all the trash. (synonym)

The ancient dress looked like new after she washed it. (antonym)

Every day he brought a delectable, delicious, wonderful, yummy lunch to school. (example)

My mother used to pull across the bay to catch flounder. Pull is a word that is sometimes used to mean row. (explanation)

Ask students to identify the meaning of each new word and tell which kind of context clue the author used to unlock the words meaning. Write the correct answers after each sentence. Hints Around Unfamiliar Word

Give each student a copy of a worksheet with two or three paragraphs. The worksheet should have several nonsense words like gluck, silubble, and crange in place of some of the words. Place context clues before or after the nonsense words to help the students guess their meaning.

Form groups of four and tell students to work together to guess the meanings of the unfamiliar words. Tell them to work together and write the meaning of each nonsense word and the context clue that helped them. When all the groups have completed the activity, have them share their work with the class.

When readers have to stop reading to ask the teacher for word meaning or use the dictionary, the flow of reading comprehension is interrupted and sometimes lost. When students learn to skip over words that are not important and to figure out words on their own using context clues, they are better able to comprehend what they are reading.

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