Using Comics to Teach Inferencing. Author: Mr. C (Blogger)

Having a strong inferential reading ability is necessary to successful engagement with (and comprehension of) any and all texts. In order to bolster both the text-based and visual inference skills of my students I often times rely on the segmented structure of comics. When working on inference skills, I ask students to look at and analyze single panels, pages, and eventually whole comics. This “building block” activity (where students build upon the knowledge in prior steps to make new inferences) piques their interest and gives them a digestible amount of information to work with (instead of asking them to make inferences over whole chapters or entire books). This lesson provides ideas for how to teach inferencing using comic strips or graphic novels. This lesson will help students increase their inferencing skills by showing them that they use inferencing more than they think. Using comic strips or graphic novels that interest your students the most, this lesson is directed to visual learners and reluctant readers.