Reading · 6 min read
Vocabulary
Vocabulary knowledge is foundational to reading comprehension. Third-grade students must recognize words in context, understand multiple meanings, and use word parts to determine unfamiliar word meanings.
Context Clues
Context clues are hints within a sentence or passage that help readers figure out the meaning of an unknown word. Skilled readers use the words and sentences surrounding an unfamiliar word to make educated guesses about its meaning.
Types of Context Clues
Definition Clues The meaning of the word is stated directly in the sentence.
The word "arid" is defined as "very dry" right in the sentence.
Synonym Clues A word with a similar meaning appears nearby.
"Tired" is a synonym that helps explain "exhausted."
Antonym Clues A word with an opposite meaning appears nearby, often signaled by words like "but," "however," "unlike," or "instead."
"Timid" is the opposite of "bold," helping readers understand both words.
Example Clues Examples in the sentence help explain the word's meaning.
The examples show that reptiles are specific types of animals.
The situation (long hike, eating everything) suggests "famished" means very hungry.
Strategies for Using Context Clues
Read the entire sentence containing the unknown word.
Look for clue words (such as, for example, or, but, unlike).
Reread the sentences before and after the unknown word.
Make a prediction about the word's meaning.
Substitute your prediction into the sentence to check if it makes sense.
If the meaning still seems unclear, continue reading for more context.
Multiple-Meaning Words
Many English words have more than one meaning. The correct meaning depends on how the word is used in the sentence.
Common Multiple-Meaning Words for Grade 3
Bank
A place to keep money: "She deposited her allowance at the bank."
The side of a river: "The frog sat on the bank of the stream."
Bat
An animal: "The bat flew out of the cave at night."
Sports equipment: "He swung the bat and hit the ball."
Ring
Light
Fair
Watch
To look at: "Watch the birds in the tree."
A timepiece: "He checked his watch to see the time."
Spring
Strategies for Multiple-Meaning Words
Read the entire sentence carefully.
Think about all the meanings you know for the word.
Decide which meaning fits the context.
Substitute the meaning into the sentence to verify it makes sense.
Consider the topic of the passage for additional clues.
Word Parts: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Words
Understanding word parts helps readers decode unfamiliar words by breaking them into smaller, meaningful units.
Root Words
A root word is the basic word without any prefixes or suffixes added. It carries the core meaning.
"Play" is the root word in "replay," "playful," and "player."
"Help" is the root word in "unhelpful," "helper," and "helping."
Prefixes
A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a root word that changes its meaning.
Common Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Example | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| un- | not, opposite | unhappy | not happy |
| re- | again | reread | read again |
| pre- | before | preview | view before |
| dis- | not, opposite | disagree | not agree |
| mis- | wrongly | misspell | spell wrongly |
| non- | not | nonfiction | not fiction |
| over- | too much | overeat | eat too much |
| under- | below, not enough | underwater | below water |
Suffixes
A suffix is a word part added to the end of a root word that changes its meaning or part of speech.
Common Suffixes
| Suffix | Meaning | Example | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| -ful | full of | helpful | full of help |
| -less | without | careless | without care |
| -er | one who, more | teacher | one who teaches |
| -est | most | fastest | most fast |
| -ly | in a way | quickly | in a quick way |
| -ness | state of being | kindness | state of being kind |
| -able/-ible | can be done | washable | can be washed |
| -tion/-sion | act or process | action | act of doing |
Using Word Parts to Determine Meaning
Look at the word and identify any prefix or suffix.
Remove the prefix and/or suffix to find the root word.
Think about the meaning of the root word.
Add the meaning of the prefix or suffix.
Combine the meanings to understand the whole word.
Prefix: un- (not)
Root: help
Suffix: -ful (full of)
Combined meaning: not full of help; not helpful
Prefix: re- (again)
Root: read
Suffix: -ing (action happening now)
Combined meaning: reading again
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms
Synonyms are words that have the same or nearly the same meaning.
| Word | Synonyms |
|---|---|
| happy | glad, joyful, pleased, cheerful |
| big | large, huge, enormous, giant |
| small | little, tiny, miniature |
| fast | quick, rapid, speedy, swift |
| smart | intelligent, clever, bright, wise |
| pretty | beautiful, lovely, attractive |
| scared | afraid, frightened, terrified |
| mad | angry, upset, furious |
Why Synonyms Matter
They help writers avoid repeating the same word.
They add variety and interest to writing.
Understanding synonyms helps readers comprehend texts that use varied vocabulary.
Antonyms
Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings.
| Word | Antonym |
|---|---|
| hot | cold |
| happy | sad |
| big | small |
| fast | slow |
| light | dark or heavy |
| hard | soft or easy |
| full | empty |
| open | closed |
| beginning | end |
| above | below |
Why Antonyms Matter
They help readers understand contrasts in text.
Authors use antonyms to show differences between characters, settings, or ideas.
Recognizing antonyms helps with context clue strategies.
Figurative Language in Vocabulary
While figurative language is covered more extensively in Author's Purpose and Craft, third graders should recognize that some expressions do not mean exactly what the words say.
Idioms
Idioms are expressions that have a meaning different from the literal meaning of the words.
| Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "It's raining cats and dogs." | It's raining very hard. |
| "Break a leg!" | Good luck! |
| "Piece of cake" | Something very easy |
| "Under the weather" | Feeling sick |
| "Hit the hay" | Go to bed |
| "Cost an arm and a leg" | Very expensive |
Strategies for Understanding Idioms
Look at the context of the sentence.
Think about what would make sense in the situation.
Remember that idioms are not meant to be taken literally.
Finished reading?
Lock it in with a quick Reading quiz.