Making Inferences with Implicit vs. Explicit Text

". . . Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings."
-Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin)

I love searching for the connotative or "unsaid" meaning in words and phrases. That's why in many of my lessons, I incorporate music to search for deeper meanings in the written word. This aspect is the basis for this course, Making Inferences with Implicit vs. Explicit Text.

The basic premise is that I wrote nine short fictional narrative texts. However, they are very ambiguous, encouraging the student to critically think about what may be going on (i.e what's said explicitly as opposed to what may be implied.) After the nine texts, there are three video clips  from games I've played and recorded. The students apply their critical thinking skills in the same manner as the narrative text process, but they are listening and viewing as opposed to just reading. 

Note: Two of the video clips come from games that are rated M (for Mature). However, I’ve edited these clips down to simple and short narratives, which do not have language, fighting, etc. 

A cool component included (if the student wishes to do so) is an editable link to a shared OneNote page. Here the student can add some of their inferences from the activities.  OneNote is a phenomenal Microsoft interactive application, which allows for collaboration and much more. 

This course is taught in 4 separate sessions.

Session 1
-Understanding Text Notes
-Ruby Tides Text and Graphic Organizer Activity
-Four in the Morning Text and Graphic Organizer Activity

Session 2
-Something Lurks Text and Graphic Organizer Activity
-Jenny’s Pillow Text and Graphic Organizer Activity
-Acquiescence Text and Graphic Organizer Activity

Session 3
-The Ocean Text and Graphic Organizer Activity
-Dad Text and Graphic Organizer Activity
-Maple Road Text and Graphic Organizer Activity
-My Room Text and Graphic Organizer Activity

Session 4
-My Name is Daniel Video and Graphic Organizer Activity
-Tim’s Mistake Video and Graphic Organizer Activity
-Simon’s Call Video and Graphic Organizer Activity
-Formative Assessment

Background Knowledge and Materials Needed
-an open mind
-a willingness to learn new concepts
-the ability to write in complete sentences
-notebook, paper, writing utensil
Note: I can also send the graphic organizers and writing templates to your email as an attachment.