Detective Clue Slides Confidential
Story Detectives
The Case of the Missing Meanings
What is an Inference?
Authors don't always tell you everything.
An inference is using clues to figure out what is happening in a story without being told directly.
"It's like reading between the lines!"
It's an educated guess based on facts!
The Detective's Formula
Schema
What you already know
Evidence
Clues from the story
=
Inference
Your conclusion!
Case Study #1: The Morning Rush
PRACTICE
"Leo looked at the clock and his eyes widened. He grabbed a piece of toast from the counter, snatched his backpack, and sprinted out the door while still trying to pull on his left shoe."
Examine the text clues above.
What is happening?
Leo is running late for school.
Evidence from Text:
Eyes widened at the clock
Sprinted out the door
Shoe not even on yet
Why be a Detective?
Emotions
Understand how characters feel when they don't say it.
Setting
Figure out where and when the story takes place.
Predictions
Use clues to guess what might happen next.
Mission Accepted
Grab your Case File Worksheet. It's time to test your detective skills on some mysterious stories.
"The truth is hidden in the details."
Case File Worksheet Case File Worksheet
Story Detective Agency • Level 4 Clearance
Detective:
Date:
Formula: Schema (What I Know) + Evidence (What the Text Says) = Inference
Case #104
The Silent Storm
"Maya's soccer ball sat lonely in the middle of the yard. Huge, dark clouds rolled in, turning the afternoon sky a spooky shade of purple. Maya's mom appeared at the back door with a basket of laundry. She looked up, sighed, and quickly began pulling dry shirts and pants off the clothesline."
What can you infer about what is about to happen?
Text Evidence Clues
Schema (My Knowledge)
Case #209
The Empty Seat
"Usually, Sam was the first one at the bus stop, cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. Today, the bus pulled away from the curb, leaving his usual spot on the bench empty. At school, Mrs. Miller looked at Sam’s desk, where a half-finished math worksheet sat. She marked a red 'A' for absent in her grade book."
Why isn't Sam at school today?
Text Evidence
Schema
Case #312
The Surprise Party
"The living room was pitch black. Toby and Maria crouched behind the sofa, holding their breath. Every time the floorboards creaked in the hallway, they looked at each other and giggled quietly. Maria gripped a handful of colorful confetti. Suddenly, the front door lock clicked, and the light switch flicked up."
How are Toby and Maria feeling right now?
Text Evidence
Schema
Detective's Self-Assessment
I found clues.
I used my schema.
Case Solved!
Case Solved Answer Key Case Solved Answer Key
Teacher Resource • Story Detectives Unit
Official
Teacher's Debrief
When reviewing these cases, emphasize that students may have different Schema (personal experiences). As long as their inference is logically supported by the Text Evidence and their schema, it is valid! Encourage students to highlight the specific clues in the text with a highlighter before writing.
Case #104: The Silent Storm
Sample Inference
It is about to rain heavily / a thunderstorm is coming.
Text Evidence Clues
Huge, dark clouds
Purple sky
Mom quickly grabbing laundry
Schema Connections
Dark/purple clouds usually mean a storm. You don't want clothes on the line to get wet.
Case #209: The Empty Seat
Sample Inference
Sam is sick or has a planned absence (like a doctor's visit).
Text Evidence Clues
Sam's usual spot is empty
Half-finished worksheet at desk
Marked "A" for absent
Schema Connections
When kids aren't at the bus stop and their work is left unfinished, they usually didn't plan to be gone.
Case #312: The Surprise Party
Sample Inference
They are excited, nervous, and playful.
Text Evidence Clues
Crouching and holding breath
Giggling quietly
Holding confetti
Schema Connections
Surprise parties involve hiding in the dark, waiting for someone, and throwing confetti.
Master Detective Rubric
3 Points
Inference is logical; provides 2+ pieces of text evidence; clearly explains schema.
2 Points
Inference is logical; provides 1 piece of text evidence; mentions general schema.
1 Point
Inference is provided but lacks specific evidence or schema connection.
