What does it mean to stream a program? How do you know if you're watching a mash-up? If you don't know these words, reach for your handy Merriam-Webster dictionary, because they're there! A series of fill-in-the-blank questions prompt pupils to use context clues when adding both classic vocabulary words and more contemporary dictionary additions.

Concepts

Vocabulary, context clues

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Have teams or partners work together to see how many they can answer without consulting any other sources
• Use the activity as a way to teach class members how to use dictionaries, both in print and online
• Add to a lesson on using context clues for unfamiliar words
• Lead a class discussion about the next topical words that Merriam-Webster should include in the dictionary

Classroom Considerations

• Words that are new to the dictionary (and more familiar to members of your class, such as ginormous and manga) are noted in blue font; printing in black and white may obscure the difference
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Pros

• Each sentence is rich with context clues
• Provides separate word banks for each activity

Cons

• Does not include an answer key

Common Core

L.7.4.a L.8.4.a L.9-10.4.a