Inferencing for Kids: What Is Inferencing and Why Should Your Students Use It?

Understanding text isn't always about what is said. Sometimes it’s about what’s not said. That is where inferencing comes in. Teaching students to make inferences helps them become active and sharpen their ability to think critically. Whether students read fiction or complete reading tests, strong inferencing skills can help them become more thoughtful, independent readers.

What is Inferencing? 

Inferencing means making logical guesses based on evidence and reasoning. This often includes connecting background knowledge with text clues to understand meaning that isn’t explicitly stated.
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For example, a character can hold a dripping umbrella and shake it off. Through this, a student can reasonably infer that it's raining. The text does not need to state it directly for them to reach that conclusion. A similar inference might be drawn when the student notices the character rubbing their arms and shivering. They could infer it’s cold, even if the text never says so outright. In both cases, students are combining clues with their own knowledge to reach a deeper understanding.

Inferencing vs. Predicting

While inferencing and predicting both involve critical thinking, they serve different purposes. Inferencing is about understanding what is currently happening or has already happened; predicting is about anticipating what will happen next based on clues. In other words, inferencing is about understanding the past, but predicting is about anticipating the future.
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If the student reads that a person is holding a dripping umbrella and shaking it off, they might reasonably infer that it’s raining outside. On the other hand, a prediction might involve guessing that the character will go inside to dry off.

How to Teach Inferencing

Teaching inferencing is most effective when it’s done explicitly and modeled frequently. Start by thinking aloud as you make inferences during shared reading. Highlight clues in the text, pair them with what you already know, and walk students through the thought process.

Teachers can use inferencing worksheets, anchor charts, and sentence stems such as “I think ___ because ___.” Another way to build inferencing skills is by using inferencing pictures, such as wordless comics or storyboards. These visuals offer students opportunities to practice drawing conclusions based on visual clues alone.
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As students build confidence, introduce texts that require more subtle interpretation. Regular practice with inferencing activities across genres will help them improve reading comprehension and begin using the strategy independently.

Inferencing IEP Goals

For students with IEPs, inferencing goals can help target specific comprehension challenges. Strong IEP inferencing goals clearly define measurable outcomes, provide practical support for instruction, and align with grade-level standards to ensure meaningful progress.
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Pairing these goals with scaffolded inferencing activities and consistent exposure to diverse texts can accelerate student growth. ReadWorks offers resources that support differentiated instruction and personalized reading goals.

Strengthen Inferencing Skills with ReadWorks

Whether you're working with early readers, supporting struggling students, or looking to enhance literacy instruction across your classroom, inferencing is a foundational skill that deserves attention. This ability extends beyond the classroom, helping students navigate real-world situations where they must read between the lines. For instance, inferencing helps children understand social cues, interpret media messages, or make informed decisions. Ultimately, it helps students become more empathetic, perceptive, and adaptable individuals.

Use ReadWorks’ library of inference question set worksheets, leveled texts, and paired question sets to make inferencing instruction clear and effective.
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➡️ Explore our full library of inferencing resources to get started!