Launching Workshop Week 4Point of View and Inferencing

Point of View

Practice makes progress, not perfect. - Anonymous

Day 1

Point of View

Every story has a narrator. A narrator is the person who tells the story. The narrator can be one of the characters in the story or just looking in from the outside. No matter what, the narrator plays a role in the story.

Students: Narrator is the person telling the story.

Point of View

The narrator’s point of view has a great influence on the story. The narrator’s point of view (POV) influences how events and characters are described. When it comes to point of view there are 3 major types.

1. First Person2. Second Person3. Third Person- Limited & Omniscient

First Person- Point of ViewThe story is told by one of the characters in the story.

If you see the words "I," "me," or "we," then the story is in the first-person point of view.

First Person ExamplesThe dew on the grass made my running shoes damp. It didn't bother me. The sound of my feet hitting the street formed a rhythm, a steady pattern of light thumps. I timed my breathing with the rhythm. These sounds filled my head. I thought of nothing other than the next step and keeping my tempo. I soared over the sidewalks like concrete clouds.

The words my, and I are repeated over and over. This tells me it is a first person point of view. They are the person who experienced the run and are telling the story.

Second Person Point of View

The story is told a by narrator who is talking to the reader. In second person point of view some words to look for are “you and your”.

Most of the time stories are not written in second person but mostly, directions and instructions and usually narrated from second-person point of view.

Second Person Point of View Example

If you are confused about something in class, don't wait. Raise your hand and ask for help immediately. Do it while your teacher is still explaining the material. Your teacher will probably be happy that you are taking an active part in your education and should attempt to explain the material in a different way. If you are still confused, ask your teacher if he or she is available after class to give you additional instruction. You are worth it. Don't give up on yourself.

Third Person Point of ViewThe story is told by a narrator. There are two types of third person point of view. Limited and Omniscient. Words to look for are “he, she, them, they, him, her, his, her, and their”

Limited Point of View: narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of one character.

Omniscient: the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings about every character.

Third Person Point of View Example LimitedBrandon pressed his nose against the glass case. There it was, Death Fighter 6, the latest video game. Brandon had never wanted anything more. Well, he really wanted Death Fighter 5 too, but this was different. The clerk walked over to him and said, "Is there anything that I can get for you, sir?" Brandon asked, "How much is Death Fighter 6?" The employee said, "$59.99 plus tax, like it says there on the rack, sir." Brandon sighed. This news saddened him. He only had $1.87.

The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of just Brandon.

He is repeated throughout the passage.

Third Person Point of View Example: OmniscientCorman hit the garage door button. There was no response. This frustrated Corman, who hit the button several more times in a fit of rage. Still, there was no response. Kathy said, "Let me try, Corman." Kathy believed that Corman was a clumsy oaf and that he was hitting the button incorrectly. She tested her suspicions by hitting the button gently. The opener whirred and pulled up the garage door. Corman felt embarrassed. Kathy was happy that they would be able to leave the garage now.

The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of both Corman and Kathy.

Words: he, she, her. they

Practice Point of View “Do you love candy?” I asked my friend Roxis. I always make friends with other people. What point of view is this? How do you know?

One day Tina went to the movies. She went to see Epic Movie. Tina thought she should purchase a plate of nachos, a pop, and a box of candy, but her friend thought she shouldn’t. Tina purchased the food anyway. What point of view is this? How do you know?

First, you will need to wash your hands and gather all of your materials. Once you’ve done that, follow all of the directions in your cookbook. Put your crispy treats in your oven and cook for 30-35. While your treats cook you might want to clean your working place. When you take the treats out of the oven, pour the honey and lemon sauce on immediately. Once the treats are cooled, you and your friends can enjoy. What point of view is this? How do you know?

Timmy Turner was rushing to get to school because he was going on a field trip. Timmy felt so happy and excited that he was going on his first field trip of the year. Timmy thought that everything was going to go good that day. What point of view is this? How do you know?

Day 2 Point of View

Let’s review the point of view terms

First Person

Second Person

Third Person Limited

Third Person Omniscient

Story is told by one of the characters

Story is told by the narrator to the reader

Narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of one character

Narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.

Which type of Point of View is this? How do you know?

Cindy got her test back and started crying immediately. It was a C. Her mother would never stand for Cs. She felt disappointed. She knew that she would be in big trouble. Then Jen got her test back. Jen cheered. She got a C. Her mother would be so proud. Jen had studied hard for the test and she was satisfied with the results. She felt proud.

Kalil examined the math book. It had been badly treated. The cover was torn and it appeared to be missing some pages. Still, Kalil knew that looks were less important than utility. He had learned that lesson long ago. "Thanks, Mr. Thompson!" he said with gratitude. Mr. Thompson looked up from his desk and said, "Sorry we don't have new books, Kalil, but there's still plenty of good math left in that book." Mr. Thompson smiled. Kalil felt appreciative.

Which type of Point of View is this? How do you know?The sound of traffic filled the street. I pressed the doorbell again. I wondered if the button worked. Could the person inside hear the sound of the buzzer over the traffic noises? Were they even home? I decided that it didn't matter. I checked the address off my list and proceeded to the next house. Somebody was going to order cookies from me today. Somebody.

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Please complete the “Determining Point of View”

Mastery Connect 9 Questions

Day 3Inferencing

Inferencing

Writers often do not include every detail about a character or an event in the story. Sometimes, as a reader you must use clues from the text and apply your own ideas to understand the characters, plot and theme when you do this you are making an inference.

What is an inferenceAn inference is a conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning. An inference is based on opinion (what you know) and evidence (from the text). When making an inference you need to do look at a few things:

- Look at what the characters are saying and doing (text evidence)

- Look at the events that have happened- What do you know about this? (schema/ background

knowledge)

When will I make an inference?

When you are reading a story the inferences you will have to make are usually revolving around the following topics:

- Character development (character actions and motivations)- Theme (messages and morals in the story)- Plot (events in the story)

Creating Inferences

When creating an inference there are two important things to consider:

- The answer is not in the text- Most importantly: It has to make sense!

You can tell if an inference is good or bad based on if you can find actual proof within the text to back up the inference. Let’s look at an example.

Let’s look at the poem “Mother to Son”Well, son, I’ll tell you:

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

It’s had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor-

Bare.

From these lines we can make some inferences like…

- The mother had a difficult life- A crystal stair must represent an easy life- The mother had many struggles and

obstacles she had to overcome in her life

I know these are good inferences because I can ACTUALLY GO BACK TO THE POEM and find the parts of the text the suggest this.

Let’s look at the poem “Mother to Son”Well, son, I’ll tell you:

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

It’s had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor-

Bare.

How to tell is an inference is not good or strong enough….

- The mother might have been in jail- The mother was homeless- Her son had a good life unlike her- The mother didn’t have a job

It is possible that these things could be true...BUT WE DO NOT KNOW FOR SURE. Nothing in the poem suggests that these inferences are true.

IF YOU CAN NOT FIND INFORMATION IN THE TEXT THAT PROVES WHAT YOU ARE SAYING, YOU CAN NOT MAKE THAT INFERENCE!

Day 4Inferencing

Yesterday we talked about inferencing.

Can anyone tell me what an inference is?

An inference is a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning.

Text Evidence + Schema = Inference

Brain Pop Inferences

Creating InferencesWhen it comes to making an inference you have to combine two things. The first is the Text Evidence. The text evidence is very important when making an inference! The second part is applying your own thinking or background knowledge (schema).

Text Evidence

Schema Background knowledge

Inference

Inference Model

I got to school this morning and I couldn't find a lesson plan. I was reading it over while having breakfast, so I probably left it on your kitchen table.

I am making an inference based upon the fact that I know I was working on my lesson plan at home.

Think about when you may have been trying to figure out what someone is trying to say, figuring out what is happening in a movie, or figuring who the singer is on the radio.

Inference PracticeThe young woman was a bit hesitant as she walked towards the famous cozy Italian restaurant. She did not believe the excuse her parents gave her for having to meet her at the restaurant instead of at their house. To make matters worse, she was a bit grumpy because she was still catching up on the sleep that she lost during exam time. She noticed some cars that looked familiar in the parking lot. As soon as she walked through the door, she heard, "Surprise!"

The text says: She did not believe the excuse her parents gave her.

I know: Sometimes if people play practical jokes, others don't believe everything they say. Maybe her parents played practical jokes.

The text says: She was a bit grumpy because she was still catching up on the sleep that she lost during exam time.

I know: I know exams are usually given in school, so she is probably in high school or college.

The text says: She noticed some cars that looked familiar in the parking lot. As soon as she walked through the door, she heard, "Surprise!"I know: If the cars are familiar, that means people she knows are in the restaurant. This makes me change my inference. If her parents wanted to meet her at the restaurant, and other people she knows are there, maybe it's a surprise party.

A: This is one of the reasons I hate working in a big city.

B: I know. Every day, it’s the same thing.

A: This is terrible! We may be here all night! I hope we don’t run out of gas.

B: No, I think there’s enough.

A: Let’s turn on the radio. Maybe there’s some good music.

B: Sorry, the radio’s not working.

A: I think I’ll take the train tomorrow!

1. Where are these people?

2. What are they talking about?

3. What do you think will happen next?

A: When did this happen?

B: Yesterday. I was playing soccer and I fell down.

A: Can you move it at all?

B: Only a little.

A: Can you walk on it?

B: No. It hurts too much.

A: I think we’ll have to take an X-ray.

B: Will I be able to play in the game tomorrow?

A: I’m afraid not.

1. Where are these people?

2. Who are they?

3. What are the people talking about?

Day 5 Inferencing Practice

A legend is a popular type of folktale. In some ways, legends resemble myths, another type of folktale. But myths describe events from antiquity and usually deal with religious subjects, such as the birth of a god. Legends tell of recognizable people, places and events and often take place in comparatively recent times. Some legends are based on real persons or events, but many are entirely fictional. The legends of the superhuman accomplishments of Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill are imaginary, while the legends about Washington and Lincoln are mostly exaggerations of real qualities those two presidents had. All societies have legends. Most legends began as stories about the heroes of a particular region, occupation, or ethnic group. For example, John Henry was a legendary hero of black Americans, and Casey Jones of railroad workers. Over time, however, these figures have become national heroes.

______ Both legends and myths can be classified as folk tales.

______ Myths generally take place in comparatively recent times.

______ The stories of Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill are not true, but they are based on actual people.

______ Legends about Washington and Lincoln are not entirely fictional.

______ John Henry and Casey Jones are today well-known only by small groups of people.

After reading the passage, we will determine which statements can be an inference and which cannot

As I walked in the door, I was amazed at the beautiful colors and smells. I knew it would be hard to decide what I would buy with my $3. The chocolate truffles looked delicious, but they were expensive. The jelly beans were not only cheaper, but so colorful! With so much to choose from, I knew I would be here a long time.

I was allowed to push the cart. The front left wheel was broken, so the cart wobbled down each aisle. Mother put various packages and boxes in the cart, but I didn’t notice. I was trying to keep the cart going straight as it got heavier and heavier.

It felt wonderful to be outside, even if only for a little while! All the swings were already taken, and a groupwas playing softball on the diamond. Casey and I decided use the monkey bars until the teacher called us.

Where are they? How do you know?

After reading the passages,determine an inference and make sure you have proof!

Carrots are an excellent source of retinol. Retinol is a pure form of vitamin A and is essential for good vision and strong teeth. It is often found in foods such as eggs, liver, and fish. For vegetarians, the best source of retinol is carrots.

Based on this passage, what can you infer about the amount of retinol in eggs, liver, and fish?

a. It is the same or greater than the amount in carrots.

b. It is less than the amount in carrots.

c. Eggs, liver, and fish do not contain retinol.

4. What background knowledge did you use to determine the answer?

Tim and Liam both glanced around the room nervously as the teacher handed back the graded tests. The teacher handed Liam his test and smiled. The teacher handed Tim his test and asked, “What happened?”

The reader can reasonably infer:

a. Liam did not do well on the test.

b. Tim did not do well on the test.

c. Tim was not in school on the day of the test.

What background knowledge did you use to determine the answer?

What do you think?

1. What are Geraldine and Angelina doing what the story beings?

2. What does Geraldine mean when she says there are “no works inside” the stuffed elephant?

3. Why do you think the toys only move around and speak aloud when no one is around to see?

Please complete the Mastery Connect “Inferencing” 3 questions