Observation Vs. Inference

Observation: What we detect with our five senses: see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.

Inference: a conclusion based on evidence (observation) and reason

Observation=fact

Inference= a guess, prediction, or idea based on the facts.


Let's play around with it:
Observe these chairs (describe what you see, what do they remind you of?)














Make an inference: what type of person might own these chairs?



Close your eyes. I want you to see the story as I read following passage about Zeus. What does he look like? Can you see the expression on his face?


Take out charts from yesterday.



When Zeus finds out the humans have fire the following takes place:

Zeus was full of rage. He seized his largest thunderbolt. "So they want fire," he said to himself. "I'll give them fire--more than they can use. I'll turn their miserable little ball of earth into cinder."

In regards to humans before fire, Prometheus says, "Look at him. Look below. He crouches in caves. He is at the mercy of beast and weather.  He eats his meat raw. . .Tell me why you refuse to give man the gift of fire."

Can you infer who the storyteller is trying to put in a more positive light? Does this mean anything for us when considering what message we take away from the story?


Many times, we cannot come to a conclusion about a character or a story's meaning until we look at the WHOLE picture.

We need to SEE the story first. Only then can we start forming our own ideas on what it means.

Need proof?


HW: Bring in a favorite children's book. We will be working with it in class tomorrow.