Reading Habits PD #4 – Use Context Clues

While you’re waiting: 1. Reread our GOALS. 2. Share with neighbors one success you’ve had in your classroom so far regarding these goals. Reading Habits can be used to move students to independent comprehension of difficult text in a consistent way across the building. These are five main behaviors that should be modeled, taught, practiced, and then used independently by students. The essentials: Students learn each “habit” and are “weaned” to independent use of it. Students have consistency throughout the team/day of classes, therefore reinforcing and expediting the process. Habits are not taught in isolation, but embedded into lessons whenever texts are used in the classroom. Once used independently, teachers still reinforce habits, but focus the emphasis on the next one.

Why Using Context Clues DOESN’T Always Work The students thought the book was incomprehensible.

Teacher/Student Actions Recognize that using context clues doesn’t always work. Analyzing words parts is another strategy.

“We must recognize that using the context as a clue is something that requires lots of practice, something that separates dependent from independent readers, something that is much harder than we may have realized.” -Kylene Beers (When Kids Can’t Read)

Teacher/Student Actions Model the use of context clues. Be explicit about what clues you used and where they were. Teach new vocabulary in context, too. (Less isolation!) Consider focus activities with this skill embedded. SPEAK using context clues. Time to start using “test talk” if you haven’t already…

More Teacher/Student Actions Have students use/write words in context. (Tiffany Fulton has a good activity.) Go beyond the definition of words. – Part of speech? – Differences between synonyms – The feeling/tone of the word Periodically use “Cloze” passages. (example on next slide)

Cloze Procedure More direct instruction and _____ with vocabulary may be given by using the _____ procedure in its many modifications. A cloze passage ____ selected words from the _____ and replaces them with a line or _____. Reading a cloze passage requires _____ to use their knowledge of _____ to supply appropriate words and concepts to _____ a meaningful passage.

Context Clues on the Reading EOG

Teacher/Student Actions Expand the search for context clues! (Huge difference between dependent and independent readers.) Remember the substitution method is limited. What about the answer choices? Discuss the different types of context clues (synonyms, definitions, antonyms, explanations, examples, etc.)

Types of Context Clues Sort