Reading Comprehension Strategies

Predicting: What Will Happen Next?#

A prediction is a smart güss about what will happen next in a story. Good readers make predictions before they read and while they read. Making predictions keeps your brain active and excited about the story!

How to Make a Good Prediction#

A good prediction is not just a random güss. It uses clues from the book. Here are the clues you can use:

Look at the cover. What do you see in the picture? What dös the title say? These clues give you hints about the story.

Think about what has already happened. What has the character done so far? What problem has come up? The events of the story give you clues about what might happen next.

Use what you already know. If a story is about a dog who is always getting into trouble, and the dog walks into the kitchen alone, you might predict that the dog is about to make a mess! Your background knowledge helps you predict.

Before, During, and After#

You can make predictions at three points during reading:

• Before reading: Look at the title, cover, and pictures. Ask yourself, "What do I think this story will be about?"
• During reading: Stop at an exciting moment and ask, "What do I think will happen next?"
• After reading: Think back and ask, "Was my prediction correct? What actually happened?"

It Is Okay to Be Wrong!#

Predictions do not have to be right. What matters is that you are thinking carefully about the story. If your prediction was wrong, that is interesting too! Think about why the story surprised you. That is a sign of a great reader who is paying close attention.

Making predictions is one of the most fun reading strategies because it makes you part of the story. You are almost like a detective, looking for clues and making smart güsses!