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Inferences

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 take challenging aspects and create enjoyable lessons 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. 

making inferences anchor chart

What are Inferences? 

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. 

Why are Inferences Challenging? 

Inferences are challenging for many reasons. First, they require readers to apply their background knowledge. However, every reader has 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 that each reader may make a different inference based on their 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 with what they are reading. This can be uncomfortable for students to do! 

Benefits of using Making Inferences Anchor Charts 

When working on inferences, it is incredibly beneficial to have good examples! This allows students to have references and guides as they gain independence. Additionally, this is a great way to help students build their own confidence. Instead of needing to ask 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 the clues in the text and what they know to make an inference. 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. Honestly, this resource will be so beneficial as students work on improving their inference skills. 

Inference Activities 

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-version pictures. Students will look at the pictures and combine what they already know with what they see in the picture. Then, they will apply their inference skills to answer a few questions. Beginning with pictures will be an excellent scaffold when working on inferences!

making inferences using pictures

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 while working. 

inference task cards

3. Making Inferences Reading Passages: Students will love reading these passages and inference riddles! Specifically, 10 pages of worksheets with passages and questions help show students how inferencing works. Additionally, there are 10 pages of riddles students solve by applying their inference skills.  Students can even create their own riddles! Your class will love all of these no-prep activities. 

making inference anchor chart

4. Making Inferences Boom Cards: This is the perfect option if you’re looking for a digital resource! Each self-checking Boom Card uses the puzzle model to support students while making inferences. Specifically, there are 3 instructional pages with examples and 34 making inferences task cards. Students will begin using drag-and-drop clues from the passage to help them make an inference. Then, they will type what they know about a list of clues and select an inference about the event. Students will gain so much confidence with each Boom Card! 

making inference boom cards

Honestly, making inferences is a complex skill to teach! Often, it is because students become frustrated while developing their skills. Since no teacher likes to make students feel like this, 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! 

If you do not want to miss any of the upcoming lessons, join my email list to be notified of all the interactive lessons coming up! By joining the email list, you will also receive FREE Making Inferences Worksheets for blog exclusive subscribers!

inferencing worksheet

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!

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