Re: context clues

["Karen Sinning" <ksinning1@comcast.net>]

A next step after Carla's idea could be to use the poem "Jabberwocky."  Have 
the kids replace all the nonsense words with real words that will work 
together in a meaningful way.  That way they are establishing a good part of 
the context on their own, and then they have to be consistent.  I've had 
them work in groups and then present their new poems.  Kids can come up lots 
of different versions!

Karen
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <carla@webenglishteacher.com>
To: <middle-lit@interversity.org>
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 6:21 PM
Subject: Re: [middle-lit] context clues


Once you've taught them the types of context clues (restatement, opposites, 
situation, etc.), have them practice with sentences that have nonsense 
words. Have students come up with a definition for the nonsense words and 
defend it. Here are some examples:

His brother fell asleep right away, but Jake couldn't swivver last night.
Sophie knew her party was a success because people were dancing, talking, 
and bojjing.

Good luck!

Carla


Carla Beard
Web English Teacher
www.webenglishteacher.com




-----Original Message-----
From: Debbie Parker [mailto:debracparker@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 05:56 PM
To: 'middle-lit'
Subject: [middle-lit] context clues

Hi -- Does anyone have any great ideas how to explain to 7th graders about 
figuring our context clues to understand vocab? My kids want to immediately 
turn to the dictionary which of course interrupts their comprehension. 
Although there is a time for dictionary look ups, I need to give some direct 
lessons in context. Thanks, Debbie Parker 
203-470-7705debracparker@sbcglobal.net
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