Drawing inferences through games

As this school year progresses, we have to identify areas of reteaching, reinforcement, and enrichment based off of data. A standard that we repeatedly see as a pain point is inferencing. This standard begins in primary school and is utilized in college and career endeavours. Seeing that it is a difficult standard to teach and absorb, I have a couple of ways to implement lessons and group practice.

Game time

I fell in love with a tv show called Game of talents on FOX. I’m not sure if it will be back for another season, but here are plenty of clips on youtube to view. As soon as I watched it, and played at home as if I was on the show, I knew it would be great as an inferencing activity. My students this year have already asked if we are going to play this game!

To add the game show aspect to it, we turned the lights off and only had my twinkle lights going. We split into two teams, they usually chose girls v boys, and they stood on either side of the room. I started by going over the options for the individual's talent and then played the video with the clues. I gave them time to discuss the clues as I displayed the options again. Lastly they chose the talent and provided their evidence. After both sides have given their answer with evidence, I displayed the reveal followed by the recap.

I will warn that this game will get a bit rowdy, but it is very fun and effective. As far as the videos, I set them to play automatically and you want to prevent the top portion of the reveal from showing as it will give them talent away. I usually have the class turn towards the back of the room until it begins playing because the thumbnail can also give away the talent. The reveal is the exciting part of the game and their reactions are hilarious!

Group assignment

After the game, on another day, they will be making their own to present to the class. During small group rotations, one of the activities is to work on their group project. Each group has the template and adds photos, a story, illustrations, etc. They weren’t allowed to use videos from the tv show, because I wanted them to be original and creative. Provide an exemplar so students have a visual of what is expected.

Presentations

Select a day where your groups, or maybe a group a day, can present their game to the class. Play it as if it was the original day and make a deal out of it. I do suggest viewing the presentations first to provide feedback and time for adjustments.

Exit Tickets

This process can take a week or two to complete from start to finish, so giving small exit tickets with a short formative assessment throughout this process will provide additional data as you move forward in planning future lessons and small group interventions.

Resources

Click here to make a copy of the Inferencing game of talents game, and click here to make a copy of the Inferencing game of talents group assignment. You will be asked to make a copy in order to access the document.

Video Credits: https://www.fox.com/game-of-talents/ and https://www.youtube.com/

If you use any of the above ideas, or plan on using them, you can reach out to me on Twitter and Instagram @TeachMsRoberson or comment on this blog below. Also, If you have any ideas for resources, feel free to send me a message and I will try to create and blog about the suggestion. I look forward to interacting with you!

Katrina Roberson M.Ed. has taught 2nd grade, 7th grade, and currently teaches 4th grade ELA. She enjoys researching new ways to implement technology in the classroom and supplement daily tasks for both in person and virtual scholars. Her passion to grow students is extended to the retention and growth of teachers new to the field. She has been a mentor to new teachers while teaching 7th grade, and to new teachers she knows personally. She is also a proud Nearpod certified educator and Nearpod PioNear.