Journey North Teacher's Manual

Readers use information from text to decipher unfamiliar words. They examine clues from the selection to define unfamiliar words and phrases. Context refers to the words that come before and/or after an unfamiliar word. Sometimes when an author is introducing a concept, she will use synonyms (words that have similar meanings) to help readers make connections. Sometimes when an author is introducing a concept, she will use antonyms (words that have opposite meanings) to help readers make connections. Context may include a definition provided within the article. Examples are often provided to give readers clues about a concept. Authors often help readers visualize story ideas with descriptive details. The picture painted by the author’s description may provide clues to an unfamiliar word. If context does not provide sufficient clues, readers use reference materials to define words.