Drawing Conclusions can seem tricky when teaching kindergarten and first grade students…but it doesn’t have to be.
As educators dedicated to nurturing young minds, we constantly seek engaging ways to enhance our students’ reading comprehension skills.
One such crucial skill is drawing conclusions, and what better way to embark on this literary adventure than with Janey Kusmierski’s delightful tale, “Snowman’s Big Job.”
Let’s explore the importance of teaching drawing conclusions in the early grades and how this whimsical story serves as the perfect tool for this purpose.
The Importance of Drawing Conclusions in Early Grades
Drawing conclusions is a foundational reading comprehension skill that encourages young readers to go beyond the text and use their critical thinking abilities.
Drawing Conclusions asks the student what is the next logical step, using all the clues in the story. Students use
Here’s why it holds immense value in the early grades:
Enhances Critical Thinking
Teaching students to draw conclusions encourages them to think beyond the literal meaning of the words on the page.
It fosters critical thinking by prompting them to analyze, infer, and make educated guesses based on the information presented.
Develops Predictive Skills
Drawing conclusions involves predicting outcomes and understanding cause-and-effect relationships.
This skill is pivotal for young learners as it lays the groundwork for predicting plot developments and understanding the structure of stories.
Promotes Active Engagement
As students draw conclusions, they actively engage with the text, creating a dynamic reading experience. This involvement not only deepens their understanding of the material but also fosters a love for reading.
Builds Vocabulary and Language Skills
Inferring requires students to utilize their existing knowledge and vocabulary. By drawing conclusions, students expand their language skills and develop a richer understanding of how words and phrases convey meaning.
Teaching Drawing Conclusions with “Snowman’s Big Job”
Now, let’s delve into the enchanting world of “Snowman’s Big Job.”
This book is not new (Scholastic, 2004), but it can help with drawing conclusions. It is the simplest book…heavy on predictable text and sight words.
It’s also the perfect mix of winter and reading comprehension. Discover how this charming story can serve as a catalyst for teaching drawing conclusions.
The book starts,
When I grow up, What will I be?
My snowmen friends will help me see.
One, two, three.
This book gives 3 clues to what job they will be.
Introducing the drawing conclusion lesson
This book reminds of the old Campbell’s soup commercial. It’s from 1993 (yes, I’m old), but I think it would be a good introduction to the book.
Begin by introducing the book and discussing its cover.
Encourage students to make predictions about the story based on the title, illustrations, and any other available information.
The book can be found on YouTube, if you can’t find the book.
Interactive Read-Aloud
Engage your students in an interactive read-aloud session. They can help you read, “One, two, three” on each page.
A student can be chosen to name the three pictures and the class can shout their conclusion on command.
To add more fun, they can whisper to a partner on the carpet BEFORE they shout the command.
Class Discussions
Foster a collaborative learning environment by encouraging class discussions. Ask open-ended questions that invite students to share their conclusions and reasoning.
This not only builds their communication skills but also allows them to learn from their peers.
Activities and Projects
Reinforce the concept of drawing conclusions through hands-on activities and projects.
First, use anchor posters to give the three clues and have students guess about the Community Helper job.
Next, ask students to independently find the job or find the clues.
Finally, students can match charts to jobs or complete extra pages in a center.
As an extension, students can create their own illustrations or write short narratives predicting the outcomes of different jobs. This kinesthetic approach enhances comprehension and makes learning enjoyable.
Reflection and Assessment
Conclude the lesson with a small group collaboration. Break the class into 3 or 4 students. Give them a piece of construction paper and community helper picture. They can draw a snowman and three clues on the front and the community helper on the back. Let them share with the class and discuss the clues and how it helped the choose the community helper.
One of the worksheets can be used as a formative assessment.
Teaching drawing conclusions with “Snowman’s Big Job” is an enchanting journey that not only captivates young imaginations but also lays a solid foundation for lifelong reading comprehension skills.
By fostering critical thinking, predictive skills, and active engagement, educators empower their students to become confident readers who can navigate the vast world of literature with ease.
So, let’s embark on this literary adventure together and watch our students blossom into skilled readers and thinkers.
Drawing conclusions, community helpers and snowmen
I created a set as a Snowman’s Big Job Book Companion.
You will have everything you need to introduce this book and drawing conclusions with the help of Community Helpers and Snowmen. How Fun!
The set includes ideas for whole group, cooperative groups, and independent work.
Check out the set and help your students have fun with drawing conclusions.
