This year, our whole‑school literacy focus is developing children’s inference skills across all year groups. Inference means working out ideas that are not directly stated in the picture or text. It’s sometimes called “reading between the lines” and is a vital skill for understanding stories, solving problems, and becoming confident, thoughtful readers.
What This Looks Like in School
- P1–P2 will explore pictures, talk about characters’ feelings, and make simple predictions.
- P3–P4 will begin to explain their ideas using clues from both pictures and words.
- P5–P7 will justify their thinking with evidence, explore characters’ motives, and interpret more complex texts.
How You Can Help at Home
Everyday conversations can make a big difference. When reading, watching a film, or talking about real-life situations, try asking questions such as:
- “How do you think they feel? What makes you think that?”
- “Why did they do that?”
- “What might happen next?”
Encourage your child to explain their thinking. Even simple questions help them practise the same skills they use in class.
Inference is one of the trickier reading skills, but with regular practice and gentle discussion, confidence grows. By building these skills, we are helping children become stronger readers, better writers, and more reflective learners.
Thank you for your continued support.
Miss Lyons
