Exploros | Using Context for Meaning

Using Context for Meaning

Students learn to use context to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and words with multiple meanings. They illustrate a word with multiple meanings and then write a sentence reflecting the meaning they illustrated. Then, they write their own sentences to use context to give meaning to unfamiliar words chosen from a dictionary.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

Engage

Overview

In this experience, students learn to use context to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and words with multiple meanings. They illustrate a word with multiple meanings and then write a sentence reflecting the meaning they illustrated. Then, they write their own sentences to use context to give meaning to unfamiliar words chosen from a dictionary.

Objective

Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and multiple meaning words from the context.

Duration

One class period.

When you are reading, you will encounter words that are new to you. One way to learn their meaning is to look them up in the dictionary. But maybe you don’t have a dictionary nearby, or you are just too interested in your book to set it aside and go get the dictionary. What other tools can you use to help you understand the word? In this experience, you will learn one way to figure out the meaning of new words.

Objective

Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and multiple meaning words from the context.

Read the following passage:

Mom needed help changing the car’s flat tire. She gave out the orders like a surgeon: “Flashlight.” I brought her the flashlight so she could see what she was doing. “Jack.” I handed her the jack that I had removed earlier from the car trunk. “Humbiwock.” Ouch! I dropped the humbiwock on my foot. But Mom picked it up and began to loosen the bolts.

What do you think a humbiwock is?

Humbiwock isn’t a real word, but you probably gave it a reasonable definition based on the context—the words around it in the passage. In this experience, you will learn how to use context to understand new words.

If students suggested something that a humbiwock is something other than a tool, ask them to explain how they arrived at their definitions.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.