For the past week I have been teaching my 5th graders how to make inferences from reading a story. We have a grid we fill in. The first box is labeled "what the author is saying', the next box is labeled 'what we already know (prior knowledge)', and the third box is where we put our inference. They are not grasping the concept that the prior knowledge part is not supposed to be something from what they read. It is supposed to be from their own knowledge of the subject. What is an easier way of teaching them how to make inferences?
Why can't inferencing be from what they already know about the story? That is part of inferencing. Yes, background knowledge of the subject is important, and yes, it needs to be applied, but when inferencing in fiction stories, the students need to use the knowledge they have developed about characters to inference text passages and the conflict of the story. I often have a discussion about thinking deeper than what is right there in front of them.I use QAR's to help them understand the difference. The Author and You relationship is the inference. I have them think about what they read, and what they know about a key word or phrase in the text. Then we move onto what the actual inference is. It makes the transition easier. Hope that helps!
I start off with an inference game... I get out my cell phone and the students get post-its to write down clue words while I'm on the phone. I make a mock phone call to a pizza place, saying things like "I'd like to place an order", "Two large cheeses and one medium pepperoni", "Extra mushrooms please", "Delivery to D Elementary, Room 404", "Do you accept checks?" The point is that I don't say words like "Pizza" or specific restaurants, but the students have to use clue words to build and prove an inference. Other calls I make include calling to print an ad about a lost puppy, arranging a bus for a field trip, and calling the principal/counselor/nurse about a class emergency. After several examples, even my lowest kids can explain how they eliminate inferences that wouldn't make sense given their clue words. FCRR (fcrr.org) has a good game that goes along with this in their 4-5 comprehension activities.
You seriously sound like an awesome teacher! I'm inferencing with my 3rd graders right now and I think they'd get a kick out of your fun ideas. Thanks for posting your great strategies. I'm going to use these scenarios tomorrow
One thing that our science lab teacher does to teach inferencing is to use photographs. The students talk about what they observe in the photo. Then the students have to tell what they infer is happening in the picture based on their observation and prior knowledge. For example: one photo is a picture of a small girl with a hat on her head sitting in front of a cake. The students infer that the picture is of a girl at her birthday party based on their observations and what they know about them.
I love these ideas, too. Makes me want to get back in the classroom, even though I still have about 6 weeks of break left! I keep a notebook of all the great ideas I have found here so I hopefully won't forget them!
Are you still emailing the ppt? I'd love to see it! I was just attempting inferences the other day. I'll pm you my email.
I explain inferencing as if they were detectives on a case. You take the clues given to you (foot prints in the mud that are size 10 mens) and what you already know (foot prints in mud meant it happend on a rainy night. When was it raining? Size 10 shoes means the perp was about so tall) and you come up with some ideas and conclusions of your own. (It must have been Mr. McGillicudy on Tuesday night.)
I love the phone calls and detective ideas. I have a friend who teaches college prep reading at a community college. When she teaches inferences/implied main idea, she comes to class wearing all black, crying her eyes out. She spends the first few minutes playing the part, then suddenly, perks up, dries her eyes, and asks her students what they thought was going on with her when she came in. The students usually really enjoy that lesson.
HI My students are currently working on inferring. I just saw your post about an inferring powerpoint presentation. Do you still have it and was wondering if you could you email it to me? Thanks Joan
Here is a link to a great inference PPT. ENJOY http://www.authorstream.com/Present...al-world-an-inferen-Education-ppt-powerpoint/
No... I just clicked on the link and it took me directly to the PPT. Not sure why that did not work for you. I am not a member.
Yes, I can view it. But in order to download it, it looks like I have to become a member of the site. Let me check again...
