Feasting on Inferences!

I love teaching my students that good readers make inferences as they read. In the next few weeks, we’ll be using the activities in my Feasting On Inferences packet as a perfect way to tie in Thanksgiving festivities while still learning an important reading strategy!

Last year, my kiddos LOVED using the activities in this packet. I am so excited to introduce it to my kids this year. Since last year, I’ve made some changes to the packet, including new clip art and additional extension activities. I’ve received many e-mails from people who have used this packet saying they have used it for their formal observation. So cool, right?

Here’s a little breakdown of what is inside:

This lesson plan (with objective and procedures) explains the steps taken in order to teach the lesson.

This is a poster I’ll use to help introduce what an inference is.

Then, I’ll read the Thanksgiving story, Last Minute Shopping, about Sage and Max.

In the story, Mom needs Sage and Max to do some last minute shopping for the big Thanksgiving feast. But, when they arrive at the store, they discover that Mom accidentally gave them the recipe cards instead of the shopping list! If they can't figure out what items Mom needs, they're worried they will ruin the Thanksgiving feast.

Then, students will have to use their best inferencing skills in order to help Sage and Max get the items they need for the Thanksgiving feast.

After reading the text, I’ll model how to make inferences with one of the recipe cards. Then, I’ll break my students in to pairs and give them the recipe cards. They will have to carefully read the recipe cards in order to figure out the ingredients their mom needs.

I’ll provide them with this making inferences organizer to help them record their inferences.

I made an example sheet to show a exemplary response.

Once they’ve made their inferences after reading the recipe cards and completing the organizer, they are ready to write the shopping list. They’ll write the list on the sheet below.

I also made some extension activities that focus on making inferences. For this activity, students read the title and look closely at the picture. Then, students write what they infer is happening in the picture.

These are some additional extension activities. Students read the simple text and infer what is happening. They will write their inferences on a recording sheet that is provided. I know my kiddos will LOVE these!

I also made these simple “I Infer…” sheets. These are perfect for independent practice or to assess their understanding of making inferences.

Click HERE or on the preview below to grab this packet. 

In this packet, you will find:
- lesson plan (with objective and procedures)
- "Last Minute Shopping" story that introduces the lesson
- four recipe cards that your students must read to make inferences
- "Making Inferences" recording sheets
- definition anchor that explain what an inference is
- extension activities (15 Thanksgiving themed mini-stories that require students to make inferences)

How do you teach making inferences? Tell me below!