"The Stranger" Inference Lesson
Using the mentor text, "The Stranger", you will guide students on a journey to collect clues and use their inference skills to determine who the stranger is.
Essential Question
How can I use inferencing to solve a mystery?
Grade(s):
- 4
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Chromebook, smartboard
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Lesson Progression
Engage students by telling them they are going to become detectives. Tell them all the clues they need are found in the story you are going to read.
Read the story, "The Stranger" by Chris Van Allsburg. (video provided)
Read through the story one time before you begin the activity.
Once you get through the story, ask students "who is the stranger?"
Tell students that you are going to read the story again. As you read, have students take notes about clues they find during the story. *For more guidance, pause and take clues with students. Do "think-alouds."
Ask:
-Is this a clue?
-Why would the author tell us this?
-What does this mean?
-Is this out of the ordinary?
Once you get through the book, open the interactive slide.
You will begin by typing in all the clues you collected while reading.
Next, you will type those clues and then type what they show and what they could mean.
Finally, you will use all the clues you collected to pick your suspect. You have three people of interest for who could be the stranger. Based on what you know, and what clues you collected, you will determine which person best matches the profile.
Stranger Interactive Slide
Slide show that will help to guide your lesson. Students could also complete this for independent practice.
View ResourceStandards
Assessments
Students can fill out the interactive slide for a formative assessment if you feel like they are confident with making inferences.