• 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) (cancel forever / win easily / watch on TV / 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? The mayor's speech was laconic: just two sentences long. (laconic) (extremely long / full of jokes / using few words / very rude) → using few wordsPrompt: 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? Grandpa is very frugal; he never wastes money and always looks for bargains. (frugal) (forgetful / very generous / very rich / careful with money) → careful with moneyPrompt: 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? She took a quick glance at her watch. (watch) (a small clock on the wrist / guard / be careful / look at for a time) → a small clock on the wristPrompt: 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) (put up with / carry / bare / a large furry animal) → 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? We sat on the river bank and fished. (bank) (the land beside a river / to tilt a plane / a place for money / a pile) → the land beside a riverPrompt: Many words have more than one meaning.
2. What does the word in brackets mean in THIS sentence? The judge will rule on the case tomorrow. (rule) (an instruction / reign over a country / a strip for measuring lines / make an official decision) → make an official decisionPrompt: Many words have more than one meaning.

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