LESSON EIGHT: Inferring Vocabulary Meaning With Nonfiction
LESSON DESCRIPTION
Students review inferring and apply their knowledge of this strategy in a nonfiction text.
GRADE-LEVEL EXPECTATIONS
R1I Identify connections between text ideas-similarities and differences in information and relationships in various fiction and nonfiction works; text ideas and own experiences; text ideas and the world, with assistance.
LESSON MATERIALS
§ Sources of literature
o All I See by Cynthia Rylant
§ Supplies
o Nonfiction article
o Chart paper
§ Handouts provided
§ Words to know
o fiction
o nonfiction
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Teacher observation, Inference Chart
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1. Review the strategy of inferring from Lesson Six. Review All I See by Cynthia Rylant. Reinforce the definition of inferring and make students aware that we make inferences not only about characters, but also unknown words. Ask students if they have come across a word that they did not know the meaning of. Maybe they could pronounce the word, but were unsure about the meaning.
2. Locate a Time for Kids article. (www.timeforkids.com) Be sure the article is on the student’s reading level, but contains some words in which inferences need to be made regarding the meaning of the words. (It may be necessary to search the archives on the Time for Kids website or use another magazine article or newspaper article). Be sure to use a nonfiction piece of writing as the purpose of this lesson is not only inferring, but also the exploration of nonfiction text/features continues.
3. Place the nonfiction article on an overhead projector, if possible. If not, distribute a copy to each student. Shared reading should take place, and unfamiliar words should be listed on chart paper. After the first reading, look at each unfamiliar word separately and infer the meaning of the word. Use a dictionary or another source to confirm or contradict the inference. Student should use pictures clues, context, author’s clues or background knowledge to make inferences. A second reading should take place in order to determine if students understand better.
4. Students use the inference chart during independent reading. Several mini-lessons need to occur before asking students to perform this task. Give students the opportunity to select nonfiction articles.