Inferring in reading for kids means using clues from the story and what they already know to figure out something the author doesn't say directly.
Understanding Inference in Reading
Based on the reference, inference is the process of arriving at a certain conclusion using reasoning or evidence, making it much more than just guessing or making random assumptions. When kids read, inferring involves:
- Looking closely at the words, pictures, and events in the book (the evidence or clues).
- Thinking about their own experiences and knowledge of the world (the reasoning).
- Putting the clues and their own knowledge together to reach a logical conclusion about something that isn't explicitly stated in the text.
Why is Inferring Important for Kids?
Learning to make inferences is a valuable skill for young readers. As the reference highlights, this ability will help them to pick apart texts and uncover meanings, themes and character motivations.
Inferring helps kids move beyond just understanding the basic plot. It allows them to:
- Understand characters' feelings and intentions.
- Figure out why events happen.
- Understand the deeper message or theme of a story.
- Make predictions about what might happen next.
Essentially, it helps them become more active and engaged readers who think critically about what they are reading.
How Kids Make Inferences
Kids often make inferences naturally in everyday life (e.g., seeing wet ground outside and inferring it rained). In reading, they apply this same skill:
- Text Clues: The book provides hints through descriptions, dialogue, actions, and settings.
- Background Knowledge: The child uses what they already know about how the world works, people, and situations.
- Combining: They combine the text clues with their background knowledge to draw a conclusion that isn't written on the page.
Simple Example
Imagine a story where a character is holding a balloon and crying. The book doesn't say why they are crying.
- Text Clue: Holding a balloon, crying.
- Background Knowledge: People cry when they are sad, maybe the balloon popped or floated away.
- Inference: The child might infer that the balloon popped, making the character sad.
Inference vs. Stating the Facts
It's helpful to see the difference between reading a fact directly from the text and making an inference:
| Direct Statement (Fact) | Inference (Using Clues & Knowledge) |
|---|---|
| The boy wore a big smile. | The boy is happy. |
| It was dark outside. | It was nighttime. |
| The character shivered and wrapped up. | It was cold. |
| The girl had wet hair after swimming. | The girl went underwater. |
Inference is about reading between the lines to understand the full picture.
Learning to infer makes reading a richer, more engaging experience for children, helping them understand the hidden layers of meaning in stories.
