In a think-aloud, what strategy does the teacher model to help students learn the meaning of unfamiliar words?

In a think-aloud, the teacher models the strategy of locating clues in the text that explain or clarify the meaning of the word. This approach is effective because it encourages students to engage with the text actively and trains them to be independent readers who can infer meanings from context. By demonstrating how to find contextual clues, such as synonyms, antonyms, or descriptive phrases surrounding an unfamiliar word, the teacher helps students develop critical reading strategies. This is essential for vocabulary acquisition and comprehension, as understanding word meanings within the context of the text enhances overall reading skills and promotes deeper understanding.

Other strategies, like creating sentences with new words or using a dictionary, may also be useful but do not foster the same level of contextual understanding that locating clues in the text provides. Repeating a word multiple times is less effective for comprehension because it doesn’t engage the students in processing or understanding the meaning beyond mere repetition.