Inferring characters’ thoughts and motives
I can infer characters’ thoughts and motives based on their actions and the words they say.
Inferring characters’ thoughts and motives
I can infer characters’ thoughts and motives based on their actions and the words they say.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When we read, we make inferences based on evidence.
- We can infer what characters' thoughts might be based on their actions and stated words.
- We can also infer characters' motives - their reasons for acting - which might be different to their stated motives.
- Our inferences will also make use of empathy - and we should remember we can never empathise perfectly with others.
Keywords
Infer - use clues from within a text to draw conclusions
Empathise - get inside a character’s head to try and understand their feelings and points of view
Motive - a person's reason for doing something
Common misconception
Pupils may think an inference is just a guess.
Inferences are built on evidence, but they also make use of empathy.
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Inferring characters’ thoughts and motives, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Inferring characters’ thoughts and motives, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 english lessons from the 'A Kind of Spark': reading unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2020 Knights Of edition of ‘A Kind of Spark’ written by Elle McNicoll, illustrated by Kay Wilson, for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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