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.
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
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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