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Target students’ inferring skills in daily doses

December 12, 2012

Target students' inferring skills in daily doses

Inferring while reading includes drawing conclusions and making assumptions about what is implied. These higher-level thinking skills need to be taught explicitly through teacher Think Alouds. Model how to draw conclusions about the text by noting word/verbal and visual clues within the text. However, you don’t need to provide lengthy passages to do this.

Cheez-It Box - Inference Practice

Collect a variety of texts

The “text” you provide doesn’t have to be in traditional sentences and paragraphs to allow for students to practice inferring. Readers can infer ideas with any type of “text.” Anything you can read/view and interpret is considered text. Consequently, sheet music is text. Movies and videos are text. Photographs are text. Speeches are text. Artwork is text.

Look to utilize some non-traditional text to practice short inferential activities. Consider utilizing:

Consider the element of humor when selecting your “texts.” Funny texts are engaging for students. And, if students are engaged, then they are thinking.

Build time into your daily routine

This inferring practice could be added into a literacy station or as a regular aspect of your morning work or bell work. Have a photo, comic strip, or some other short text projected on the board when students first arrive in the classroom. Whether they write down their inferences or just share them orally, be sure to inquire which text clues aided students in their thinking.

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CompCON 2024
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