• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Using context clues). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? We had to postpone the match because of the storm, so we will play next week. (postpone) (win easily / watch on TV / cancel forever / put off until later) → put off until laterPrompt: Look at the other words in the sentence. What do they tell you?
2. Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? His explanation was so convoluted that nobody could follow it. (convoluted) (accurate / funny / brief / complicated) → complicatedPrompt: Look for signal words: unlike, despite, so…that, a colon or dash that explains.
3. Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? Dad was furious when the window was smashed; his face went red and he shouted. (furious) (very sad / very calm / very angry / very proud) → very angryPrompt: Look at the other words in the sentence. What do they tell you?

• Show an interesting word in a sentence and ask what it might mean from the clues around it.
• Share the objective: Words with more than one meaning. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: What does the word in brackets mean in THIS sentence? The kite flew high in the light breeze. (light)
• Step 1: The rest of the sentence tells us which meaning a multiple-meaning word has.
• Step 2: So the answer is: gentle, not strong
• Answer: gentle, not strong
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. What does the word in brackets mean in THIS sentence? Don't forget to file your homework in the folder. (file) (a tool for smoothing nails / a computer document / a line of people / put papers in order) → put papers in orderPrompt: Many words have more than one meaning.
2. What does the word in brackets mean in THIS sentence? I can't bear to watch scary films. (bear) (a large furry animal / bare / carry / put up with) → put up withPrompt: Many words have more than one meaning.

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. What does the word in brackets mean in THIS sentence? She took a quick glance at her watch. (watch) (be careful / guard / look at for a time / a small clock on the wrist) → a small clock on the wristPrompt: Many words have more than one meaning.
2. What does the word in brackets mean in THIS sentence? Don't forget to file your homework in the folder. (file) (a computer document / put papers in order / a line of people / a tool for smoothing nails) → put papers in orderPrompt: Many words have more than one meaning.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-3.