Using Context Clues and Illustrations to Find Meaning

"P-P-Pip did you hear that!?" "Oh Koko, don't worry, it was just a bunny going to sleep in its burrow under the ground!" "What's a burrow?" Let's find out what Pip means by using context clues and illustrations to find meaning. Context clues are hints in a sentence that we can find to help us understand the meaning of words we don’t know. We can also use pictures, or illustrations, to help us. Let's find the meaning of the word forest in this sentence. It says, 'We need a map to find our way in the forest.' In order to use context clues: stop and reread the sentence and underline the words you know. Follow along while we read it again! We need a map to find our way in the forest.' In the illustration, we see trees and a few different trails. You might know that a map is a drawing of a place that shows what's there, so underline map. Now, think, what does forest mean? Is it land covered with a lot of trees or is it a road? A forest is land covered with a lot of trees. Now let's use context clues and the illustration to find the meaning of the word poured. The rain poured down on the cold bear cubs.' Remember, in order to use context clues: stop and reread the sentence and underline the words you know. Follow along while we read it again! The rain poured down on the cold bear cubs. What does the illustration show? We see lots of rain and the bear cubs are wet. You probably know that if you stay out in the rain you'll get wet and cold, so underline rain. Now, think, what does poured mean? Does it mean the rain lightly drizzled on them or fell heavily on them? Poured means that the rain fell heavily on them. Now that we've practised using context clues, let's see what burrow means! The bunny goes into its burrow under the ground.' Remember, in order to use context clues: stop and reread the sentence and underline the words you know. Follow along while we read it again! The bunny goes into its burrow under the ground.' In the illustration, we see a bunny near a hole. You might have seen a bunny go into a hole under the ground, so underline under the ground. Now, think, what does burrow mean? Does it mean where bunnies live or a game bunnies play? A burrow is where bunnies live! Before we get back to the campfire, let's remember! Context clues are hints in a sentence that we can find to help us understand the meaning of words we don’t know. In order to use context clues: stop and reread the sentence and underline the words you know. Then, using what you know, think about the meaning of the unfamiliar word. "Phew! I'm glad it was just a bunny!" "But, what do you think they do in their burrow?"