Using Context Clues

Reading is Thinking!

In third grade, we have been learning about context clues.

What are Context Clues?

Context clues are a way to figure out what an unfamiliar word means. 

We look at the clues in the sentences around the word to give us hints about what the word means.

Here's an example.

Thomas went to the apex of the mountain, and because it was so high, he had to take a tank of oxygen with him. 

What does the word apex mean? Check out Mrs. Essenburg's screencast that shows us how to figure out the word apex using context clues.



It isn't just Mrs. Essenburg who can explain how to use context clues to figure out an unfamiliar word. Here is one student explaining how she used context clues to figure out the meaning of the word splendidly.





And Sara Jean used context clues to figure out the meaning of the word mortified.



And Gavin shows how he used context clues to figure out the meaning of saturated.



Check back for more context clues videos from students!

Want more fun practice using context clues? Try this Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Game!

Context Clues Game


By now you should be an expert at context clues, so here's one more for you to answer in the comment section below. Here is a picture of Mrs. Essenburg's cats, Troy and Lucy. 

After slumbering on the bed all day, Mrs. Essenburg's cats, Lucy and Troy, clambered up the Christmas tree. They knocked it over, and ornaments scattered all over the floor. Naughty cats!

Use context clues. What do you think the words slumbering and clambered up mean? Answer in the comment section below.