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X.1 Match feelings to the story

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Understanding Inference

When we make an inference, we use the clues in the story and what we already know to figure out something the author doesn’t tell us directly. In this case, we are learning how to make inferences about a character’s feelings.

Examples of Inference:
  • If a character is crying, we can infer that the character might be sad.
  • If a character is smiling and jumping up and down, we can infer that the character is happy or excited.
  • If a character is crossing their arms and frowning, we can infer that the character is angry.
Helpful Hint

Ask yourself: What is the character doing? How would I feel if I acted the same way? This helps you infer the character’s feelings.

Clues That Help Us Infer Feelings

Writers give us clues about how characters feel. These clues may be in the character’s actions, words, or pictures in the story.

Examples:
  • A character who says, “I can’t wait!” is probably excited.
  • A character who hides behind someone might be scared.
  • A character who gives away a toy may be feeling kind or helpful.
Helpful Hint

Look closely at what the character says and does. These details are clues to their feelings.

How Feelings Affect the Story

Characters’ feelings can change what they do and what happens in the story. By understanding how a character feels, we can better understand their choices and the events in the story.

Examples:
  • A character who feels brave might face a big challenge.
  • A character who feels sad may not want to play or talk.
  • A character who feels angry might say or do something unkind.
Helpful Hint

Think about how the story might change if the character’s feelings were different. Feelings guide the character’s actions.

Comparing Feelings

Characters do not always feel the same way. Comparing characters’ feelings helps us understand how they interact and why the story moves forward.

Examples:
  • One character might feel happy about winning a game, while another feels disappointed about losing.
  • One character may be scared of the dark, while another feels brave in the same situation.
  • One character may feel excited to try something new, while another feels nervous.
Helpful Hint

Ask yourself: How do different characters feel about the same event? This helps you see the story from more than one view.

Why Inference Matters

Making inferences about feelings helps us become stronger readers. It allows us to understand characters more deeply and enjoy the story in a richer way.

Practice Ideas:
  • Draw a picture of a character and show how they feel with facial expressions.
  • Make a list of actions that show feelings (crying, smiling, frowning, shouting).
  • Act out a character’s feelings and have others guess what they are.
  • Talk about how the story might change if the character felt a different way.
Helpful Hint

Every story has characters with feelings. Paying attention to their actions and words helps you infer those feelings and understand the story better.

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