Introduction
Sometimes when we're reading we encounter words that we don't know the meaning of. In this webquest, you will learn how to discover the meanings of words by using context clues!
Task
Get ready to act as a
"Word Dectective"
You will:
- Play 'Mystery Word' and determine the word based on 4 clues
- Use context clues in “Con-TEXT Clues" activity
- Watch a YouTube video for a fun assignment
- Use an online dictionary for those "impossible" words
- End with an evaluation where your new skills are put to the test!
Follow the directions in the task tab to complete the lesson and assignment.
Process
1) Click on the link to warm up your brain with this fun activity. Choose 8 words to figure out.
http://web.archive.org/web/20040405113236/http://www3.telus.net/teachwell/mystpage.htm
2) Sometimes when we are reading a passage we come upon a word that we don't know the meaning. Often times, you can figure out the meaning of the word by other words or sentences around it. This is what we call "context clues." Next, choose 6 text messages in the link below. Practice using context clues to decide the meanings of the underlined words.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6W0uz8zqMNnQXlBUlNoMFlJRkU/view?pref=2&pli=1
3) Now, watch the YouTube video. After watching it you need to follow the instrutions of the video to create 2 of your own words.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mnMM07qko8
4) Once in a while when the clues aren't clear enough we just can't figure out the word meaning. When this happens you might need to use other resources. Here is an online dictionary. Click on the link to "play around". Type in a word. Write down the word, its definition, and 2 synonyms.
Evaluation
Now, let's put your skills to the test!
Directions: Read the 2 paragraphs taken from 'The History of Chocolate By: Sue Peterson." Use context clues to figure out the meanings of the underlined words. Write down the word, what it means, and the context clues that helped you decide.
The History of Chocolate By: Sue Peterson
People from all over the world like the taste of chocolate. Chocolate is a refreshment that many people enjoy as a dessert or snack. Did you ever grab a chocolate bar at the store when you were checking out groceries with your mom or dad? Did you ever buy a chocolate bar at the gas station when your parents stopped to buy gas? Did you ever get to pick out a chocolate candy bar at a basketball game or a soccer game?......
Mrs. Hershey thought it would be a good idea for her son Milton to learn a business from someone who was a successful businessman. So when Milton finished fourth grade, she arranged for Milton to become a printer’s apprentice where he would learn about print, newspapers, and books.
Conclusion
Today you learned what to do if you come upon a word that you don't know its meaning. Use context clues!!! This is a skill you might use every day as you read different types of texts in school or in your environment. The more you practice using it, the more of a habit it will become!
