Inference: A Key Detective Skill for Reading Comprehension
Playing Sherlock Holmes empowers kids to unlock the deeper meaning of text.
In the enchanting world of literacy, there exists a magical skill that transforms ordinary words on a page into a vivid tapestry of understanding – the art of inference, also known as “reading between the lines.” We do it all the time, but it is a skill that children must develop and may not automatically leverage when reading without practice.
What is Inference?
Inference is the ability to connect the dots, make an educated guess about something unsaid and to grasp the subtle messages that lurk beneath the surface of a text. Inference is when we realize two characters don’t like each other even though this hasn’t been stated explicitly. Inference is when we make a best guess at a villian’s motivation for committing the crime based on what we know of his backstory. When readers make inferences, they are essentially drawing conclusions based on hints, clues, and their own background knowledge. It's like putting together a puzzle where the missing pieces are filled in by imagination and critical thinking.
Why is Inference Important?
Deepens Understanding: Inference transforms reading from a passive activity into an active, engaging process. It encourages your child to go beyond the literal meaning of the words and delve into the underlying layers of a story, enriching their comprehension.
Builds Critical Thinking Skills: As your child makes inferences, they are honing their critical thinking skills. They learn to analyze information, consider different perspectives, and make informed judgments – essential skills not only for reading but for success in various aspects of life.
Enhances Problem-Solving Abilities: Making inferences involves piecing together information to solve a puzzle. This skill extends beyond the pages of a book, helping your child develop problem-solving abilities that are valuable in academics and real-world scenarios.
Promotes Empathy: Inference often requires understanding characters' emotions, motivations, and perspectives. This fosters empathy in your child as they learn to see the world from different viewpoints, fostering emotional intelligence.
How to Foster Inference Skills:
Encourage Questions: Prompt your child to ask questions about the characters' actions, the plot, or the author's choices. This encourages curiosity and sets the stage for making meaningful inferences.
Discuss Predictions: Engage in discussions about what might happen next in a story. Encouraging your child to predict outcomes fosters inference skills and keeps them actively involved in the reading process.
Connect to Real Life: Relate the events in the story to real-life experiences. This helps your child make connections and draw parallels, strengthening their ability to infer meaning from the text.
Stress-Test Inferences: Have your child point back to details in the text that they are using to make this educated guess. Ask them to evaluate how likely it is that they are correct - is it a wild baseless guess or grounded in clues the author has given?
Teaching inference was one of my favorite things as a literacy teacher because it lets us all play detective with texts. We know there is more than meets the eye and we must examine and imagine what it could be.
Our favorite book for teaching inference is “Who Done It?” which asks kids a question on each page they have to answer by looking at the picture and making guesses about what is going on. It is funny and great for all ages.
