Read a short passage with your child and stop where the author leaves something for the reader to work out. Try “Maya set her dripping umbrella by the door. Her boots left wet marks on the floor.” Ask what the weather might have been like outside. Give your child time to think before returning to the words on the page.
If your child says it was probably raining, ask them to show you what helped them decide. They might point to “dripping umbrella” or “wet marks.” Try putting the two clues together in a sentence: “I think it was raining because Maya’s umbrella was dripping and her boots were wet.” If they suggest she walked through a puddle, discuss which clue fits that idea and which detail still needs explaining.
For another round, write “Leo pulled on a jumper and rubbed his hands.” Ask how Leo might be feeling and invite your child to point to a clue. If they say he is cold, let them explain it in their own words before trying the English sentence “I think Leo is cold because…” Take turns writing short clues for each other and end once you have both solved one.
