Inferring characters’ thoughts and motives
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can infer characters’ thoughts and motives based on their actions and the words they say.
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.
Teacher tip
After this lesson, read chapters 6, 7 and 8 before the next lesson. These chapters contain sensitive content that may require some adult interpretation; you may wish to read these to pupils or plan additional lessons to cover these chapters.
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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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word best completes the following sentence? 'When Miss Murphy tore up her work, Addie felt __________.'
Q2.Which word best completes the following sentence? 'Addie __________ the picture of the shark as she sat engrossed in the book.'
Q3.Are these statements true or false? Select the true ones.
Q4.What does Mr Allison do that Addie appreciates?
Q5.Which of the following are true of Nina?
Q6.What does Dad do to help Addie?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word best completes the following sentence? 'Mr Macintosh is worried that a memorial would __________ the village's reputation.'
Q2.Which word best completes the following sentence? 'Mrs Craig's face was __________ with rage.'
Q3.Which of these are true about the village meeting?
Q4.Which character's inner thoughts after the meeting might have sounded like this? 'Thank goodness that's over. Addie did well, but I wish Keedie hadn't made such a scene ... .'
Q5.What word does Keedie use to describe a friend who is only in our lives for a short time?
Q6.What is meant by a person's 'motives'?
To help you plan your 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 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 primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.