Using Context for Meaning

Students learn to use context to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and words with multiple meanings. Then they write some of their own sentences to use context to give meaning.

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.

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for Using Context for Meaning:

Engage

Overview

In this experience, students learn to use context to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. Then they write some of their own sentences to use context to give meaning.

Students will work in small groups in Scene 4.

Objectives

Use context to clarify the meanings of words.
Use new vocabulary in original writing.

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 how to use context to figure out the meaning of new words.

Objectives

Use context to clarify the meanings of words.
Use new vocabulary in original writing.

Do you know what the word set means? Write a single definition for the word set.

It is likely that the class will enter several different meanings for the word set.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word set has over 400 definitions, more than any other word in the English language. When you are reading, how do you know which meaning the author intended? In this experience, you will learn to use context to answer that question.

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

The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Foundational Skills Unit.