Lesson plan
Making Strong Inferences
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to make inferences in fictional texts.
Introduction
(2 minutes)
- Read the following scenario to students: Ansel was 30 minutes late for basketball practice. He ran as fast as he could to the court but when he arrived, he saw his coach's face. He was in big trouble!
- Ask students what conclusion they can gather from the scenario and have them turn to a partner to discuss.
- Invite a few students to share their conversations with the whole class (i.e. Ansel's coach was mad at him for being late).
Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling
(8 minutes)- Tell students that the conclusion they drew from the scenario is also known as an inference.
- Inform students that an inference is when a reader uses their own background information (usually people are not happy when one arrives late), along with evidence from the text (""He was in big trouble!) to make a conclusion.
- Mention that it is important to make inferences when we read because we can better understand the details and subtle nuances of a story, whether it be about a character, plot or setting. Making inferences involves reading between the lines, or noting what the author means, without outrightly stating it.
- Let students know that today they will practice making strong or solid inferences, with textual evidence, in fiction texts.
Guided Practice
(10 minutes)- Hand out the Inference Task Cards worksheet to students and show a copy on the document camera.
- Read the directions aloud and model how to draw inferences from the first two cards.
- Invite students up one at time to make an inference on each task card. Encourage students to explain their reasoning as they infer.
- Offer support to students as needed.
Independent working time
(15 minutes)- Pass out the Making Inferences in a Fictional Text worksheet to each student.
- Read the directions aloud, and instruct students to complete the assignment independently.
- Circulate and offer assistance as needed.
Differentiation
Support: what to change
- Show students how to generate inferences using pictures, such as in the Making Inferences Pictures Worksheet (see resources).
Enrichment: what to change
- Have students complete the Organize Your Inference graphic organizer as they read a book on their own (see resources).
Assessment
(5 minutes)- Distribute an index card to each student.
- Ask students to write an inference they come up with on their own using the story from the Independent Work Time to gauge their understanding of making inferences in fictional texts.
Review and closing
(5 minutes)- Have students turn to a partner and state in their own words: 'Inferences are _____'.
- Discuss with students what they find challenging about making inferences.
Related learning resources
Making Inferences in a Fictional Text
Worksheet
Making Inferences in a Fictional Text
This reading activity gives kids practice supporting inferences with evidence.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Making Strong Inferences
Lesson plan
Making Strong Inferences
Making inferences is a key skill to master before going on to read more difficult fictional texts in fifth grade.
4th grade
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Lesson plan
Practice Making Inferences
Worksheet
Practice Making Inferences
Help young readers make inferences using context clues with this worksheet.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Making Inferences in a Fictional Text
Worksheet
Making Inferences in a Fictional Text
This reading activity gives kids practice supporting inferences with evidence.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
