Inferencing is the ability to make judgments based upon limited information. It is the ability to make an educated guess about what is occurring in a specific situation when you don’t have all the details.
To those of us who love reading, making inferences from text seems easy enough. But to students who struggle with reading because of a learning disability, making inferences from text is very difficult. Many of those same students who don’t “get” an inference from text will make that mental leap in a flash if you show them a video.
Another powerful strategy to teach inferring is through the use of images and photos. Using images from current events integrates media literacy with reading and allows students to be able to discuss what is going on in the world around them.
Looking Down by Steve Jenkins
From high above, readers journey from space to earth with a progressively closer view though always looking down. What viewers are seeing changes with each page turn and may yield interesting inference on a number of levels (e.g., what else might one see from space?).
Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, A Civil War Hero by Marissa Moss , illustrated by John Hendrix
This lively picture book biography of a woman who disguised herself as a man during the Civil War introduces a time in U.S. history and a bit of women's history. There are inferential thinking opportunities in either subject. (For example: From Sarah's experiences, what can be inferred about women's status in the 19th century? What can be inferred about the status of slaves when one young enslaved man tells Sarah he can't use cash money?)
I See Myself by Vicki Cobb , illustrated by Julia Gordon
Brief text and clear illustration combine to present both information and experiments that will encourage "what if" and "what next" discussions that can comfortably and safely combine with activities appropriate for young children.
Chalk by Bill Thomson
Join three children who find a magical piece of chalk that begins an exciting series of events to figure out "what next." This might be fun to use in conjunction with Crockett Johnson's Harold & the Purple Crayon(HarperCollins).
Deep in the Forest by Brinton Turkle
A baby bear explores a human abode in this riff on the Goldilocks tale. Readers could infer seasons, feelings, and consequences in this modern classic.
What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins , illustrated by Robin Page
Clear, textured illustrations of animals and their special parts (e.g., tail, nose) focus readers on the special function of each. Not only is it likely to generate a description of the appendage but its function (what it does), and of the animal and its environment. Other books by Steve Jenkins, such as Biggest, Strongest, Fastest, may also generate rich descriptive language.
The Little Plant Doctor: A Story About George Washington Carver by Jean Marzollo , illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max
George Washington Carver was always curious and grew into a recognized scientist in spite of the challenges of the time in which he lived. His life and accomplishments become accessible to younger children through the voice of a tree planted by young George, augmented by child-like full color illustrations.
Pop! A Book About Bubbles by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley , illustrated by Margaret Miller
Have you ever wondered why bubbles are round? And why they pop? These and other questions are asked and answered in accessible language and crisp, full color photographs. Many easy-to-do science activities are suggested (to be done with adult help).
If America Were a Village: A Book About the People of the United Statesby David Smith , illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong (Kids Can, 2009)
If all of the 300 million people were simply one village of 100 people, its diversity is easier to understand. That's just what the author has done to make the complex make-up of the U.S. residents (in terms of languages spoken, ages, and more). Colorful illustrations accompany the understandable text. Additional resources complete the book. If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People, also by Smith, looks at the inhabitants of the world as a village to allow its diversity to become more understandable for adults and children.
Wave by Suzy Lee (Chronicle)
No words are needed to share a child's seaside adventure as she plays with the waves, is knocked down by one, and then discovers the sea's gifts brought to shore by the wave. Softly lined wash in a limited color palette evoke a summer afternoon on the beach.
Pancakes for Breakfast by Tomie de Paola (Harcourt)
On a cold morning, a little old lady decides to make pancakes for breakfast, but has a hard time finding all of the ingredients. This wordless picture book tells a story of determination and humor, ideal for young readers who can narrate the story as they go.