Stage of Gradual Release
Model
“I do it. You watch.”
How to Scaffold
Questions
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Guided Instruction
“I do it. You help.”
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Guided Instruction
“You do it. I help.”
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What can you infer
about Dorothy’s life
on the farm based
on the description of
the setting?
What inferences
can you make about
Poppleton based on
the actions of his
friends?
What inferences
can be made about
Odysseus based on
his interaction with
Polyphemus?
Think aloud.
Model the
question and
answer, then ask
student to
repeat the
answer.
Focus on key
concepts/vocabu
lary.
Highlight the
portion of text
where the
answer can be
found.
Provide
visual/contextual
support.
I infer that Dorothy’s
life on the farm is
lonely because the
author says there is
not a tree or house
that they can see from
their house. This
makes me think there
are not very many
people around.
I infer that Poppleon
is a nice and likeable
pig because his
friends surprised him
on his birthday by
making special treats
and having a party.
I infer that Odysseus
is smart and clever
because he lied to
avoid Polyphemus’
trap.
Ask yes/no and
either/or
questions.
Provide answer
choices.
Highlight the
portion of text
where the
answer can be
found.
Provide
visual/contextual
support.
I infer that Dorothy’s
life is lonely. Is this
because the house
was dull and grey? Or
is this because there
are no other houses
nearby?
I infer that Poppleton
is nice and likeable. Is
this because he
invited his friends to
go on a sleigh ride?
Or is it because his
friends gave his a
surprise party?
Provide some
answer choices.
Provide frequent
feedback by
clarifying and
confirming.
Remind students
to use strategies.
Provide sentence
stems, graphic
organizers,
anchor charts,
etc.
What is a good
inference:
 That people
don’t like
Dorothy and her
family.
 That her life is
lonely.
 That everything
at the farm is
dirty.
What is a good
What is a good
inference:
inference?
 That Poppleton
 That Odysseus is
likes good things
clever and
to eat.
smart.
 That Poppleton
 That he is not
has many
afraid of a
friends.
Cyclops.
 That Poppleton
 The Polyphemus
is nice and
does not like
likeable.
strangers.
So what did I infer?
How did I know that?
What did I infer?
How did I know that?
So what did I infer?
How did I know that?
I infer that Odysseus
is smart and clever. Is
this because he lied
to avoid Polyphemus’
trap? Or is it because
he hid his own fear?
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Collaboration/Cooperation
“You do it together. I
help.”
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Independent Practice
“You do it. I watch.”
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Highlight the
portion of text
where the
answer can be
found.
Provide
visual/contextual
support.
Have students
work together
and help each
other.
Ask more openended questions.
Highlight the
portion of text
where the
answer can be
found, as
needed.
Provide
visual/contextual
support, as
needed.
Highlight the
portion of text
where the
answer can be
found, as
needed.
Provide
visual/contextual
support, as
needed.
Provide more
support through
prompting and
cues, as needed.
What key details in
the story help you to
know that Dorothy is
lonely?
What can you infer
about Dorothy’s life
on the farm based on
the description of
the setting?
What key details in
the story help you
know that Poppleton
is nice and likeable?
What inferences can
you make about
Poppleton based on
the actions of his
friends?
What key details in
the story help you
know that Odysseus
is clever and smart?
What inferences can
be made about
Odysseus based on
his interaction with
Polyphemus?