- Ben: He claimed he was too busy reading a book, but if he were truly engrossed in reading, he likely wouldn’t have crumbs around his mouth.
- Emily: She said she was playing with her dolls. While possible, playing with dolls doesn’t typically involve eating cookies or leaving crumbs.
- Sam: He insisted he was drawing a picture. Drawing is a hands-on activity that often involves using both hands, making it unlikely for him to eat cookies without getting crumbs on his hands or face — yet he has crumbs around his mouth.
The most logical conclusion is that Sam ate the cookies. His excuse doesn’t explain the crumbs, and his claim of drawing contradicts the physical evidence. Ben’s excuse is weak but plausible if he ate while reading; Emily’s is the least suspicious. Sam’s story doesn’t align with the evidence, making him the most likely culprit.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of worksheet reading for 4th graders.