Context Clues Anchor Chart (FREEBIE included!)

I have always enjoyed teaching context clues.  I believe it is vitally important for all students to be able to use context clues to determine the definition of an unknown word.  As an ELL teacher, I spent a great deal of time over the years helping my English language learners develop this skill.  It can be difficult for them, especially when there are multiple words in a sentence that are unfamiliar to them. A few years ago, I started to use the "detective" analogy, and I found that they benefit from this concrete image.  I often tell my students to "get out your magnifying glasses and look for clues in the sentence to help you solve the mystery" of the given word.

I have also found that students are far more successful when I have taught them the five types of clues: definition, synonym (restatement), antonym (contrast), example, and inference clues. Therefore, this anchor chart is a staple in my classroom. 

Clip art by A Sketchy Guy.

We refer to this anchor chart often as we encounter unfamiliar words. After labeling the types of context clues given in numerous sentences, they seem to have a better understanding of how to use this skill when they are reading independently. They know some strategies and clues to look for.          

I created an exit slip FREEBIE for you.  Please download it if you think you will be able to use it with your students!

If you are interested, I have a number of resources in my TPT store that I use when teaching students to identify context clues. You can purchase these items individually, or within the large bundle.

This context clues craftivity is a favorite among my students!

Thank you for stopping by!

~Deb

Pin this context clues post for future reference:

5 comments Anchor Chart, Context Clues, ELA, Freebie