Make Inferences and Analyze

Explain Write this paragraph on the board: Jon took some blueberries out of the refrigerator. His teenage brother Bill organized all the other materials on the countertop. Bill carefully preheated the oven. After mixing all the ingredients, Jon poured the batter into the muffin pan. Read the sentences aloud. Say: Authors do not always tell every detail in a story. Readers have to use clues in the story and their own experiences to figure out the missing information. I think this story takes place in a kitchen. 

Guided Practice Ask: What were Jon and his brother making? What clues make you think so? Underline the clues. (They were making blueberry muffins. The clues include blueberries, batter, and a muffin pan.)

Practice Read this paragraph aloud. Have students listen carefully. Bill said, “Let me put the pan in the oven.” After waiting the correct amount of time, Bill removed the pan. “Once they’re cool, we can eat!” Bill continued. But when Bill tried to remove the muffins, they wouldn’t come out of the pan. “Oh, no, Jon, I think we forgot one thing!” Bill shouted. Ask: What do you think Jon and Bill forgot to do? (They forgot to grease the pan so the muffins wouldn’t stick.)