What instructional approach helps clarify the meanings of polysemous words?

Contextual examples serve as an effective instructional approach for clarifying the meanings of polysemous words, which are words that have multiple meanings. By providing sentences or scenarios where the word is used in different contexts, learners can discern the specific meaning based on the surrounding information. This context helps to anchor the word's meaning to a particular situation or usage, making it easier for students to understand and eventually apply the appropriate interpretation in various contexts.

In contrast, while other options like word walls, synonym charts, and phonemic awareness activities are beneficial for vocabulary development, they do not specifically address the nuances of polysemous words in the same direct manner. Word walls can assist with overall vocabulary but may not showcase the different meanings of a single polysemous word. Similarly, synonym charts focus on alternative words rather than clarifying distinct meanings, and phonemic awareness activities primarily involve sounds and decoding rather than word meanings. Thus, contextual examples uniquely provide the necessary clarity for understanding and utilizing polysemous words effectively.