My other two little nuggets arrived yesterday. They are ages 5 and 3. I was amazed at how they use words naturally that they have heard used by adults. Nobody drilled them on words like, actually, luring, snatched, quite big, seemed fishy but they hear these big words so they incorporate them into their own vocabulary.
One important comprehension skill is the ability to make an inference from what we read. In other words, take the words from the author (the text) and what we already know (background knowledge) and draw a conclusion or make an inference. We use clues from the author and our background knowledge to do this.
Here are some easy ways to do that, without text, to have your children learn this skill. Then, when they can do that, try it with a book.
When you are in the check out line at the grocery store, talk with your child about the contents in the person's basket in front of you. Say things like, Oh look, that person is buying hot dog buns, hot dogs and chips. I bet that's what they are having for dinner. Or they might be having a picnic or cookout. We have hot dogs when we cookout don't we?
That person has a gift bag, a bow and a toy. I infer, or think, they must be buying a present for someone.
Remember it's important to label it naturally by saying, I infer, think. We aren't saying, That's making an inference, what's that called? drilling them. When your child starts doing it on his/her own, then you can say, Wow, you made an inference.
Try it the next time you are in the check out line.
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