Reading Strategy: Predicting

Both at school and at home we are focusing on predicting or "guessing what will happen next" in our reading. It is something we probably all do, but just don't know that we are doing it! Make a conscience effort to point out predictions or ways to make them with your child. 

I was taken back by some of my daughter's predictions and thoughts. She can always explain why she thinks something will happen and the explanation are truly hilarious. It gives me such insight into the way she thinks.

Predicting

Good readers use pictures, titles, headings, and text to make predictions before they begin to read. Predicting involves thinking ahead while reading. Readers will be able to anticipate information and events in the text. After making predictions, students can read through the text and refine, revise, and verify their predictions.
Predicting is important because it engages students and connects them to the text by asking them what they think might occur in the story.

What you can do at home:

·        Before starting to read a book, article, or chapter together, have your child make a prediction about the content. Ask your child what clues (from the text and/or pictures) led him/her to the prediction.

·        During reading, check back on their prediction. Do this several times during the reading process. Ask your child if they want to keep the original prediction, if they want to revise the prediction, or if they want to make a new prediction. Continue to ask your child to provide evidence or support from the book for his/her prediction.

·        Take turns sharing predictions aloud while reading. Compare predictions and share your thinking as you predict.

To connect predicting in reading to predictions they will make in other parts of their lives, have them make other kinds of predictions. For example, if they are watching a television show or movie, ask them to predict what they think will happen. It is important that they tell you why they have that prediction. You could also have them make “guesses” or predictions about what they think people will say or do. “What do you think Dad’s favorite kind of ice cream is?” “Why?” Then ask and find out if their prediction was correct or no.