Scott Foresman Reading Street

Vocabulary Strategy

Use context clues to determine word meaning.

INTRODUCE

Remind students of strategies they can use when they encounter a word used in a new way.

Use the context to predict a likely meaning for the word.
Try a different pronunciation as well as a different meaning.
Decide whether the new meaning makes sense in the context.

TEACH

Discuss the steps on p. 518 for using context clues with homonyms and homographs.
Have students read "Adventure on the Sea," paying attention to how vocabulary is used.
Model using context clues to determine the pronunciation and meaning of bow.

MODEL The sentence
mentions a beautiful woman,
so at first I picture a bow

(pronounced BOH) that is like a hair ribbon. After the word is a comma and the words "or front part of the ship." This must be the meaning of the word. I try pronouncing it as BOW. This makes sense. The bow of a ship is the front part.

then… use Tested Vocabulary Cards.

If… students need more practice with the lesson vocabulary,

Context Clues

PRACTICE AND ASSESS

Have students determine the meanings of the remaining words and explain the context clues they used.
Point out that giving a word a different pronunciation sometimes helps readers recognize the homograph. At other times, the pronunciation and meaning should be checked in a dictionary.
If students filled out a categories chart (p. 518b), suggest they come up with two new categories of their own and sort words in a new chart.
Have students complete Practice Book p. 205.

WRITE Review characteristics of a

friendly letter. Students' letters should include several vocabulary words as well as words that describe a ship of long ago.

Practice Book p. 205

with | without Answers

SAILING HOME: A STORY OF A CHILDHOOD AT SEA

As you read “Adventure on the Sea,” use the
context to help you decide which homonym or
homograph the author is using.

Put that meaning into the sentence and see if
it makes sense.

Read the words and sentences around the
unknown word. Are there any clues that can
help you tell which homonym or homograph
is being used?

Think about the different meanings homonyms
and homographs can have. For example, a jar
is a glass container, but if you jar someone, you
shake him or her. Wind (with the short i sound)
means “a current of air,” but wind (with the long
i sound) means “to coil around something.”

Context Clues When you are reading, you may
find a familiar word used in a new way. It may be a
homonym or homograph. Homonyms are spelled
and pronounced the same, but they are words with
different meanings and histories. Homographs are
spelled the same but are pronounced differently
and have different meanings. You can use the
context to figure out the meaning of a homonym
or homograph.

Vocabulary Strategy
for Homonyms and
Homographs

                     The captain, a
                 dignified figure,
                 might stand on the
                 upper decks to
                 watch the work and
give orders. He knew all the
methods of navigation. He
could use instruments or steer
a course using the celestial
bodies, or stars. The captain
was the powerful commander
of the ship. He conducted all
the ship’s business and had
to be obeyed without question.
When the ship quivered
and rolled in a terrible
storm, the crew depended
on his steady guidance.

In the 1800s,
sailors set sail for
adventure every time
they left port. A trade
ship might be loaded
with cargo to be sold on
the far side of the world.
The captain and crew might
be gone for months, even years.
The ship itself was interesting
to look at. Often a fancy carving
of a beautiful woman set off the
bow, or front part of the ship. In
many cases, she was the only
female on board. From the bow
to the stern, or rear part of the
ship, sailors worked hard. They
climbed quickly up and down
masts and sails. They repaired
sails and cleaned the ship.

Try the strategy.
Then, if you need
more help, use
your glossary or
a dictionary.

quivered

conducted

celestial

navigation

dignified

stern

bow

cargo

Pretend you are a sailor bound for India in 1850.
Write a letter home about your life on board the
ship. Use words from the Words to Know list.



	Close
	Access Content Use ELL Poster 21 to preteach vocabulary. Choose from the following to meet language proficiency levels. Beginning Use the picture on p. 519 and other pictures to help students identify parts of the ship and its captain, crew, and cargo. Intermediate Have students point out any words they recognize as cognates in their home languages. Advanced Teach the lesson on pp. 518–519. Have students add pictures or clues after each word in their categories charts (p. 518b). Resources for home-language words may include parents, bilingual staff members, bilingual dictionaries, or online translation sources. Context Clues Have students say these phrases and give meanings for bow: an actor's bow; the bow on the gift; a ship's bow; a bow and arrow; to bow one's head in shame.