Diamonds or Coal

A Context Clues Strategy Lesson

Created by Ann Fausnight
For more ideas visit:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ann-Fausnight
and
http://devotedtovocabulary.wordpress.com/


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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.


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Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for
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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.
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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.
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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





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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


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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: ___________________________________________________________________
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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
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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?

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Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for
classroom use only
Venn Diagram
Car Bike
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Copyright 2012 Ann Fausnight for
classroom use only