Understanding the different types of context clues helps kids when figuring out the meanings of unknown words.

The best way I have found to teach the different types of context clues is to use an anchor chart with the definitions for the different types of context clues as well as examples of context clues.

Pretty simple right? But it’s effective.

I wouldn’t include all of the types of context clues at one time. I suggest teaching one a day and adding it to the chart after you teach it.

As you add to the chart, students can record it in a notebook. This helps kids to actually use the chart because they’ve helped create it.  

Context Clues Definitions

Definition– when a sentence includes the definition or explanation of the unknown word

Synonym– a word that has the same meaning is used in the text

Antonym– a word that has the opposite meaning is used in the text

Example– an example is used to explain what the unknown word means

Inference– you need to look for clues before or after the unknown word and infer the meaning

Examples of Context Clues

Create an anchor chart not only with the definitions but have one with examples. Sometimes it’s easier for kids to understand the types of context clues with examples.

Here is an example of each type of context clue that you can include on an anchor chart.

Definition Context Clue– My friend is sometimes hasty when he does his homework. He does it too quickly and is careless.

Synonym Context Clue– I was astonished and amazed when I won free tickets to the concert!

Antonym Context Clue– My sister is compassionate but sometimes she can be mean.

Example Context Clue– The vase is delicate because it can break easily.

Inference Context Clue– My team will win the game because we are determined to do our best.

Vocabulary in Context

Once you teach each type of context clues you’ll want to teach using them. One of my favorite ways to teach vocabulary in context is with picture books. When reading a picture book you can usually find at least one or more types of context clues.

I pick 6 words from the book and teach 3 of them using context clues. We discuss how to figure out the word meanings by using one of the types of context clues.

Do you need a fun game for practicing context clues? I wrote about a fun game for reviewing them in this post.