Students may benefit from a concrete to abstract approach when learning how to draw conclusions.
You could start by playing a guessing game with real items.
Some ideas are:
- Beach bag with towel and sunblock
- Baseball or soccer bag with equipment
- Birthday present
- Dog leash and tennis ball
- Canvas and paints
- Suitcase
- Book and library card
- Flashlight and sleeping bag
Display the items and have students guess where you are going.
Explain to the students that they used the items as clues + what they already knew to draw conclusions without you actually telling them where you were going.
Explain that when we read, we use clues in the story + what we already know to draw conclusions.
This drawing conclusions worksheet can be used with any text. It works well in guided reading groups to help students develop the skill.