Inferences

//First, I would use this information I have from LearntoRead.com: "**Explaining inferring to children is not easy!** First of all, inferences and opinions are not the same thing. **An opinion** is what I think. An opinion is a synthesis of my experiences as well as my knowledge which I can rightfully debate. **Inferring** is figuring out what an author wants me to think. An inference should be based mainly on references in the text that lead me to a conclusion. For example, when I read Snow White, I notice the author planted clues so that I will **infer** that the witch is a bad character, an antagonist. There's plenty of evidence to support the inference: she tries to feed Snow White a poisonous apple, she speaks harshly to mirrors, she's horrified when she isn't considered the fairest in the land. She's so evil she plans to kill off Snow White.// //Even though the witch wears black, if after reading I say everyone who wears all black is evil, I'm expressing an **opinion.** While opinions can be supported with evidence, most are merely generalizations heavily laden with prior experience. "//

Referencing the Text

 * We read the same book or story ahead of time.
 * I begin by explaining "referencing the text." I put a sentence on the board. //The boy stared into the dark corner wide-eyed.// I ask, "Is the boy (1) annoyed, (2) scared or (3) angry and how do you know?"
 * I give them some time to think and then I ask my students to respond by holding up one, two or three fingers to match the answer they choose. Immediately they see that everyone chose scared.
 * "How do you know?" I push them. Through a short discussion we arrive at the conclusion that //dark corner// and //wide-eyed// are two clues that the boy was scared. The text never said the boy was scared but we know because dark is almost always associated with scary and wide-eyed gives us a mental picture of a boy who looks more scared than angry or annoyed. The two clues __together__ make us infer "scared."
 * Then we compete to see who can get the best score in this game - one point for each right answer. There are two teams: my class against me.
 * I ask them one question. Anyone can raise their hand and be called on to answer. One point if the answer is correct AND the explanation includes a reference.
 * Next, it's my turn. Any child can ask me a question. I answer and also reference the text. I challenge them; "I've never lost," I tell them. The game usually lasts 45 minutes and many days after that.

//Assessment:// Can they interpret language? Can they reflect on previous experiences or readings to make connections?

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