Inferring never happens in isolation. There are many steps from reading words in the text to forming a unique understanding. Although we teach these strategies in isolation to ensure understanding and mastery, they are intricately connected. Through following these steps students are propelled to their own conclusions and interpretations. Reading is much more interesting when readers add their "two cents" as they unite personal connections with textual evidence. Readers put their personal stamp in every text they read.

Text:

Castle walls are thick and made of stone. They are constructed with small windows and very few entrances. There is a drawbridge in front of castle. Castles are usually located near water or mountains

"I have seen a castle before in "Shrek". I remember there were many guards in the castle."

"The important words are thick stone, small windows, drawbridge, water and mountains."

"Castles are big and grayish and give me a cold feeling."

"I wonder why they were made that way?"

I bet castles were made to protect whatever is inside it (usually the king and queen like Princess Fiona’s parents). They were built near water so if intruders were trying to invade they would be seen on the sea. I bet they were made near mountains and tough terrain so invaders had trouble getting to it. There were probably only a few entrances so people couldn’t sneak in. The guards only have to block a few doors and a few windows.

"I could read more about this on the internet or I could check out a book from Ms. Kszepka on castles. Hey, I could also ask Ms. Miles more about this!"

Inferring vocabulary words:

Reformation: If reform means "to change" i.e. reform school, what can we infer about this time in history?

Protestant: The word "protest" is in this word, therefore a protestant is someone who protests against something.

Inferring a subtitle:

Reformation in the Church: We can infer that the reformation was when people (protestants) wanted to change or reform the church.

Inferring in Art:

Students look at Raphael’s painting, "The Knight’s Dream".

What do you see?

How do you know he’s a knight?