Some skills come naturally to many students. After hearing the instruction once or twice, they simply understand the material. However, other skills are more challenging to learn. Inferences are one of these skills! This aspect is complex to understand, no matter how much instruction students receive. Thankfully, excellent teachers work hard to make challenging material enjoyable for students. For example, the Making Inferences Anchor Charts provide students with incredible references and guides! With a few helpful resources and new tricks, inferences won’t be so scary for students.
When we make inferences, we make an educated guess based on what we read and know. In other words, we make a conclusion about something based on evidence within the text and reasoning from our own knowledge and experiences.
Inferences are challenging for many reasons. First, they require readers to apply their background knowledge. However, every reader has a different background knowledge, and teachers have no idea about the student’s understanding of a topic. Some may have a lot, and others may have none. Ultimately, this means each reader may draw a different inference based on their own knowledge. Second, inferences require students to have strong comprehension skills. Students have to understand the text to make an inference. So, if they struggle with comprehension, they will also struggle with inferences. Third, inferences require higher-level thinking. The answer is not straightforward in the text. Instead, students have to apply what they know to what they are reading. This can be uncomfortable for students.
When working on inferences, it is incredibly beneficial to have good examples! This provides students with references and guidance as they gain independence. Additionally, this is a great way to help students build their own confidence. Instead of asking the teacher for help, they learn to use the resources around them.
Thankfully, the Making Inferences Anchor Charts provide incredible examples to help students! There are anchor charts reminding students to use clues from the text and what they know to make inferences. Additionally, there are charts to break down this process for students. There are even charts with guiding questions to help students when they get stuck. This resource will be highly beneficial as students work to improve their inference skills.
When making inferences, students need lots of practice. Luckily, there are fantastic resources ready to support students!
1. Making Inferences Using Pictures: This is a fantastic resource to support students as they learn about making inferences! Instead of beginning with stories, students actually start with clipart pictures. There are 16 ready-to-use worksheets and 8 pages of color versions of pictures. Students will look at the pictures and combine what they already know with what they see. Then, they will apply their inference skills to answer a few questions. Beginning with pictures will be an excellent scaffold when working on inferences!
2. Making Inferences Task Cards: As students are ready for more rigor, these 34 making inferences task cards are here to help! Each includes a different scenario and questions for students to answer. Additionally, cards with keyword lists require students to make inferences about the event or place. Luckily, this is a great way to take inference skills to a deeper level! There are even anchor charts for students to reference as they work.
3. Making Inferences Reading Passages: Students will love reading these passages and inference riddles! Specifically, 10 pages of worksheets featuring passages and questions to help show students how to infer. Additionally, there are 10 pages of riddles for students to solve using their inference skills. Students can even create their own riddles! Your class will love all of these no-prep activities.
Honestly, making inferences is a complex skill to teach! Often, it is because students become frustrated as they develop their skills. Since no teacher likes making students feel this way, they work hard to create engaging, scaffolded activities. Luckily, this list of activities and the making inferences anchor chart provide amazing ways to support students!
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I am Kirsten Tulsian, an elementary educator with 18 years of experience as a teacher and counselor. My passion lies in empowering students to discover their inherent brilliance through the use of engaging, rigorous, and meaningful activities. I look forward to connecting with you!
