Activity Overview
Matilda provides many opportunities for readers to make inferences about what they are reading. More often than not, these inferences are confirmed later on in the text. In this activity, students will be able to monitor their thinking while they read – paying close attention to the interpretations, or inferences, they are making and understanding how that helps readers comprehend the text.
Here are some examples:The first example is from Mr. Wormwood: " 'Listen boy,' he said, addressing the son and ignoring Matilda, 'seeing as you'll be going into this business with me one day, you've got to know how to add up the profits you make at the end of each day.' "
It can be inferred that Matilda, being as bright as she is, will be able to compute the problem faster than her older brother.
The second example is from Miss Honey: " 'And you must remember that this aunt of mine is a much respected figure in the community. She has a lot of influence.' 'Who is she?' Matilda asked.”
It can be inferred that the cruel person she is referring to has to be none other than Miss Trunchbull.
Last, towards the end of the novel Matilda states, "I've been thinking about it all the way back from your cottage and I believe I've got just a tiny bit of an idea."
It can be inferred that Matilda is going to develop a plan to help Miss Honey escape from Miss Trunchbull once and for all.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating inferences about Matilda with examples from the text.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify three quotes from the story where information can be inferred.
- Describe the inference you are making.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The inferences are clear and at least two sentences. | The inferences can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The inferences are unclear and are do not make sense. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the inferences using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the inferences, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the inferences. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Matilda provides many opportunities for readers to make inferences about what they are reading. More often than not, these inferences are confirmed later on in the text. In this activity, students will be able to monitor their thinking while they read – paying close attention to the interpretations, or inferences, they are making and understanding how that helps readers comprehend the text.
Here are some examples:The first example is from Mr. Wormwood: " 'Listen boy,' he said, addressing the son and ignoring Matilda, 'seeing as you'll be going into this business with me one day, you've got to know how to add up the profits you make at the end of each day.' "
It can be inferred that Matilda, being as bright as she is, will be able to compute the problem faster than her older brother.
The second example is from Miss Honey: " 'And you must remember that this aunt of mine is a much respected figure in the community. She has a lot of influence.' 'Who is she?' Matilda asked.”
It can be inferred that the cruel person she is referring to has to be none other than Miss Trunchbull.
Last, towards the end of the novel Matilda states, "I've been thinking about it all the way back from your cottage and I believe I've got just a tiny bit of an idea."
It can be inferred that Matilda is going to develop a plan to help Miss Honey escape from Miss Trunchbull once and for all.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating inferences about Matilda with examples from the text.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify three quotes from the story where information can be inferred.
- Describe the inference you are making.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The inferences are clear and at least two sentences. | The inferences can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The inferences are unclear and are do not make sense. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the inferences using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the inferences, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the inferences. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Matilda - hacer inferencias
Use picture books to introduce making inferences
Choose engaging picture books with clear illustrations and subtle clues. Read aloud and pause to ask students what they think is happening, guiding them to look for details that aren't stated directly.
Model think-aloud strategies during reading
Pause while reading a story to verbalize your thinking process. Share how you use clues from the text and pictures to draw conclusions, making your inference process transparent for students.
Create an anchor chart for inference clues
Work with students to list types of clues (like dialogue, actions, or setting) that help them make inferences. Display the chart in your classroom as a visual reminder during reading activities.
Design collaborative inference activities
Pair or group students to discuss and record their inferences using short text excerpts. Encourage them to support their ideas with evidence from the story, fostering teamwork and critical thinking.
Assess understanding with exit tickets
At the end of a lesson, ask students to write one inference they made and the clue that led them there. Quickly review these responses to check for understanding and plan next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Matilda - hacer inferencias
What does it mean to make inferences while reading Matilda?
Making inferences means using clues from the story and your own knowledge to figure out what is not directly stated. In Matilda, readers often guess characters' feelings or motives based on their words and actions, helping deepen understanding of the text.
How can I teach students to make inferences using examples from Matilda?
To teach inference skills, have students identify quotes from Matilda where something is implied but not stated, discuss what they think is happening, and explain their reasoning. Using a graphic organizer like a spider map helps visualize their thoughts and evidence.
What are some good examples of inferences in Matilda for a 4th or 5th grade lesson?
Examples include inferring Matilda's intelligence when she solves problems quickly, guessing the identity of Miss Honey's cruel relative as Miss Trunchbull, or predicting Matilda's plan to help Miss Honey based on her statements. These moments encourage students to read between the lines.
Why is making inferences important when reading Matilda by Roald Dahl?
Making inferences allows students to connect with characters and events, leading to deeper comprehension. In Matilda, many key details are implied, so inference helps readers fully understand the plot and character motivations.
What is a simple activity for practicing inference skills with Matilda?
A simple activity is to have students create a storyboard or spider map with three quotes from Matilda. For each quote, they write their inference and illustrate the scene, then share and discuss their ideas with the class.
More Storyboard That Activities
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