Sunday, September 30, 2012

Teaching Context Clues

I love teaching vocabulary! One of the best strategies I've come up with is to use a graphic organizer and PowerPoint. The PowerPoint is set up to give first the word and then the sentence. After revealing the word and sentence, I have the students guess what synonym would best replace the vocabulary word. It helps to actually put their guess in the sentence. That way they can see if it makes sense or not. I also show them how sometimes the definition to the word can be found in the sentence. Finally I reveal the synonym and picture for the vocabulary word and the students fill in their graphic organizer. Notice there is no section for the sentence. I don't think it is necessary, and it takes many students entirely too long to copy it all down. I only have them write the synonym and not an entire definition for the word, too. I find my students retain this bit of information far better than a long definition, and also the standardized test ask for the synonym only. For your FREE COPY of the graphic organizer and PowerPoint visit my TpT store  HERE or click on the picture above.
These vocabulary words can be found in the book Bad Case of Stripes. This book can be viewed for free on the website Storyline Online. Use this vocabulary lesson before or after listening to the book online.

 Click on the video for the link to the online book.

11 comments:

  1. Thanks so much. We are using this book in our Daily 5 Listening station right now. This will be a perfect follow-up lesson.

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    1. I'm so happy you can use it. I do one of these a week and my students do really well on the vocabulary section of the standardized test.

      Selina

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  2. VocabularySpellingCity is an excellent way to introduce and review vocabulary. My students play the games during our reading centers on our interactive whiteboard. You can create individualized words lists, print flash cards, and even take the test online. http://www.spellingcity.com

    Cara
    Teaching...My Calling

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    1. Yes, I love Vocab/Spelling City! All my students have lap tops so it is one of my favorite sites to visit.

      Selina

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    1. Thanks!!! My students and even my four year old love Storyline, too.

      Selina

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  4. Love this idea! I was planning to use this book tomorrow during our Shared Reading to review all the elements of fiction. I am going to now add in vocabulary, thank to your wonderful idea!

    Thanks for sharing!

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  5. I read this book earlier this year! Like your students my students could not wait to hear it...the title peaked their interest!!!
    Thanks for sharing! (I'm your newest follower). Stop by anytime!
    Smiles

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    1. Thanks! I'm following your blog, too.

      Selina

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  6. Terrific! I love it--simple, but so effective. Thank you

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