Created by Ann Fausnight For more ideas visit: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ann-Fausnight and http://devotedtovocabulary.wordpress.com/
1 Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for classroom use only Diamonds or Coal Context Clues Strategy Lesson Created by Ann Fausnight
Is your sentence filled with diamonds (words that help you figure out the meanings of any unknown words) or coal (words that dont help you understand at all). Diamonds include definitions, restatements, examples, comparisons or contrasts, descriptions, synonyms or antonyms given with the new word. We need to learn how to find each kind of diamond! They are valuable.
What can we do about the coal? Learn more about the diamonds, after all coal turns into diamonds given enough time and effort! Carefully reread. Look for other clues; picture clues, prefixes, suffixes, compound word, or word parts. Make a guess based on the first letter(s). See if your idea makes sense. Find help; friend, parent, teacher, dictionary (glossary, if it is a non-fiction book).
The diamond and coal cards are meant for student use during independent reading. He or she can make a stack of diamonds found and coal strategies used during reading.
2 Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for classroom use only I found a definition. I found a restatement. I found an example. I found a comparison or contrast. I found a description. I found a synonym or antonym. 3 Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for classroom use only If my sentence gives me coal, I can think about the diamonds. If my sentence gives me coal, I can carefully reread. If my sentence gives me coal, I can look for other clues, like picture clues, prefixes, suffixes, and word parts. If my sentence gives me coal, I can make a guess based on the first letter (s). If my sentence gives me coal, I can find a person to help. If my sentence gives me coal, I can use a glossary or dictionary for help. 4 Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for classroom use only Bonus! Materials for teaching Restatements and Compare and Contrast
Diamond Chart : Finding Definitions and Restatements in a sentence Examples or Practice worksheet
Toolkit Chart: My Compare and Contrast Toolkit Example paragraph for discussion Venn Diagram to extend the discussion
5 Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for classroom use only Finding Restatements and Definitions in a Sentence Look for: commas dashes Example: We usually eat poultry chicken, turkey, or duck when eating out. And look for these words and phrases: as or that is such as in other words
6 Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for classroom use only Restatements In the sentences below, look for restatement clues to the meaning of the word printed in italics. Circle the punctuation marks and phrases that help you find the clue. Then write the meaning of the word on the line.
1. Martin knew he could accomplish, or do, whatever he set his mind to. meaning: ____________________________________________________________________ 2. The field trip to the poultry farmwith its chickens, turkeys, and duckswas fun. meaning: ____________________________________________________________________ 3. The heavy pulse, or beat, of the rock music gave Sabines mother a headache. meaning: ____________________________________________________________________ 4. You have to be really wealthyrolling in moneyto have a private tennis court. meaning: ___________________________________________________________________ 5. The decor was so elaborate, that is, complicated and detailed, it made me dizzy. meaning: ____________________________________________________________________ 6. Please shred the cabbage for the cole slaw by cutting it into long strips. meaning: ____________________________________________________________________ 7. Thank you for doing such a thoroughreally complete and carefuljob. meaning: ____________________________________________________________________ 8. Luiss father teaches economics, the science of money and what it buys. meaning: ____________________________________________________________________ 9. Its easy to shop using a catalog, that is, a list of items for sale. meaning: ___________________________________________________________________ 7 Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for classroom use only Comparing Words When you compare one subject to another, you show how the two are alike. Contrasting Words When you contrast two subjects, you show how they are different. like similar to same in the same way too both have in common the same as similarly as well as although yet however but while differ instead unlike on the contrary contrary to even though on the other hand the reverse My Compare and Contrast Toolkit 8 Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for classroom use only Notice the Compare and Contrast Words There are differences between a car and a bike. In contrast to a car, a bike usually holds only one person and has two wheels. Another difference is that a car is usually used for longer distances while a bike is for shorter distances. However, you might be surprised to find out that cars and bikes have some things that are the same. For instance, both cars and bikes provide transportation. Another similarity is that both use metal in their frames. Bikes can be built with steel, aluminum, or titanium, while cars are always made with steel. Also, they are alike because they both take you places, although a car usually takes you there much faster than a bike! Can you tell another similarity and difference?
9 Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for classroom use only Venn Diagram Car Bike 10 Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for classroom use only