Context clues
Use the surrounding sentence to choose the right meaning.
For parents and teachers
Playing Context clues
Read the cards and match each one to its partner. Find six pairs, with no timer. Think about the meaning before choosing.
What this game practises
Year 4 readers use context to decide which meaning of a familiar-looking word is intended. Context clues pairs short sentences with plain definitions, using bark, bank and bat in two different senses each. The letters alone do not settle the meaning: nearby words such as river, cheque, flew or ball help the reader choose an interpretation that fits the complete sentence. Read A bat flew out at dusk and explain why a piece of sports equipment is not the intended meaning. Then change the sentence to She swung the bat at the ball and identify the clues that changed the interpretation. A dictionary can confirm possible meanings, but the reader still needs to connect a definition to the sentence being read.
Progress and trying again
The normal game controls let children finish, save stars on this device and play again. A previous best result is kept when a later attempt scores less. Matching games count incorrect pairs; ordering games score the first check of each round; sorting games give another chance after a mistake. Take time to talk about a choice rather than racing.
Return to the learning collection for curriculum guidance, examples and activities to try away from the screen.