“The Big Wave”

1. “The Big Wave” Reading Skill Making Inferences

2. Making InferencesT-P-S • When readers use information from the text along with their personal experience (background knowledge) to understand what they are reading, they are making inferences. Now that’s using your head! • It’s just like putting pieces of a puzzle together and seeing the final picture in your mind before you’re finished!

3. Making Inferences • Remember the story of, “Salt?” When Ivan secretly poured the right amount of salt into all the stews and sauces so the king would wish to buy it, what did we infer about Ivan the “fool?” • We inferred that Ivan was not such a fool after all; and in fact he was very clever because he devised this plan!

4. “The Big Wave” • Let’s begin by reading pages 380-381, then we’ll make inferences about people’s actions in the story. • Why do you think Jiya faints? • I think __________ because _______________. • I think Jiya faints because he cannot bear losing his family and home.

5. “The Big Wave” • Let’s begin by reading pages 380-381, then we’ll make inferences about people’s actions in the story. • Why do you think Kino cries? • I think __________ because _______________. • I think Kino cries because he understands how sad Jiya is.

6. “The Big Wave” • Let’s begin by reading pages 380-381, then we’ll make inferences about people’s actions in the story. • Why do you think Setsu thinks Jiya is dead? • I think __________ because _______________. • I think she thinks Jiya is dead because she sees him lying on the mattress and Kino is crying.

7. “The Big Wave” • Let’s continue by reading pages 382-383, then we’ll make inferences in our journals about what people say in the story. • Kino’s father says that life is always stronger than death. What do you think he means? • I think __________ means _______________. • I think he means that people always want to live even when the people they love die.

8. “The Big Wave” • Let’s continue by reading pages 382-383, then we’ll make inferences about what people say in the story. • Kino’s father says that as long as Jiya is alive, his family will live with him. What do you think he means? • I think __________ means _______________. • I think he means that Jiya’s family will live in his heart as long as Jiya remembers them.

9. “The Big Wave” • Let’s continue by reading pages 384-387, then you’ll make inferences and support them with details from the story. • How do you know that Jiya will survive his sadness? • I know because ______________________. • I know because Jiya eats even though he thinks he is not hungry.

10. “The Big Wave” • Let’s continue by reading pages 388-389, then you’ll make inferences about what people think in the story. • Why does Kino think they are unfortunate to live in Japan? • _____ thinks ______ because ______________. • Kino thinks they are unfortunate because Japan often has earthquakes and tidal waves.

11. “The Big Wave” • Let’s continue by reading pages 388-389, then you’ll make inferences about what people think in the story. • Why does Kino’s father think they are fortunate to live in Japan? • _____ thinks ______ because ______________. • Kino’s father thinks they are fortunate because living in danger helps people not fear death and to truly be able to appreciate like.

12. “The Big Wave” Comprehension • Where does this story take place? • What kind of storm happened at the beginning of the story? Now, in your journal, choose one of the following three questions to answer, thoughtfully. • Is surviving only about not dying? Explain. • How is this story like the story of The Island of the Blue Dolphins? Explain • What does this story teach us about life and death?