Inferring

First Graders have been learning a new comprehension strategy to help them uncover the meaning of new words and hidden messages and to better understand what the author is saying.  To practice inferring, students are using their schema,  rereading, using the pictures, slowing down, and thinking really hard in order to be detectives to find clues in the text that will help them understand the story better.  This week, we've been closely looking at interesting words - and using our inferring strategy to uncover the meanings of these words.

 

How can you help your child with this strategy at home?

1. Read to your child and model your thinking as you read.  Modeling is one of the most effective teaching strategies.
2. Have your child “read” a wordless picture book.  Using the pictures to tell stories helps with the inferring process.
3. When reading with your child, ask some of the following questions:
 • Can you explain why the character acted this way?
• How do you think the author might feel about (the character)?
• Think about the setting… what details can you add?
• Figure out explanations for these events.
• What clues can you find in the pictures?

Remind your child that a book detective goes slowly, looks for clues, and uses those clues to support his/her thinking.


Ideas taken from Cafe Book written by Bouchey and Moser