Making Predictions
Basics on the topic Making Predictions
The Art of Making Predictions in Texts
Understanding the significance of making predictions while reading is very important for deep comprehension and a richer reading experience. But what does making predictions about a text really mean?
What Does it Mean to Make Predictions in Texts?
At its core, predictive reading involves anticipating what comes next in a narrative. It's about using the information already presented in the text, along with your own knowledge and intuition, to make educated guesses about future events, reactions, or decisions.
A prediction is something that you think will happen based on what you already know. It's a combination of textual clues and personal knowledge. For instance, if a story provides a hint (or clue), we use our own experiences and understanding anticipating the next events.
Why is it Important to Make Predictions in Texts?
Making predictions not only fosters deeper engagement with the text but also enhances one's understanding of it. By allowing readers to anticipate events, characters' decisions, or plot twists, it becomes a proactive and participatory experience.
How to Make Predictions in Texts?
One effective method for making predictions while reading is to utilize sentence stems. These act as scaffolds and can provide a structure for your thoughts. For instance, using phrases like ”I think“ and ”because“ can guide you in formulating predictions.
Consider the following scenario:
Upon seeing Ari with a box of cereal and milk, what do you predict they will do? Using the sentence stems can lead to a prediction: I think Ari will eat cereal. And as we further see:
It turns out Ari indeed decides to enjoy a bowl of cereal.
The Intricate Connection of Inference and Prediction
Inference and prediction, while distinct skills, share something very similar. Inferences are conclusions drawn from evidence present in the text, while predictions are anticipations of what will occur next based on both the inferences made and the reader's own knowledge.
Mastering the Art of Prediction
Authors, through their narrative techniques, pacing, character development, and thematic undertones, provide a plethora of clues to readers. Recognizing these cues, whether overt or covert, empowers readers to make more accurate predictions.
Making Predictions in Text – Summary
Predictive reading is an art that requires practice, intuition, and a keen sense of observation. By using tools like sentence stems and constantly engaging with diverse texts, readers can refine their predictive skills, transforming reading from a passive activity into an interactive journey.
For those keen on delving deeper into the world of predictions, there are numerous activities available, such as worksheets and interactive exercises, all designed to bolster this essential reading skill.
Transcript Making Predictions
: "There you are, Ari! I've been looking all over for you!" : "What are you up to?" : "I'm packing for our journey! Don't tell me you forgot..." : "We need to leave in a few hours, so you should go pack if you haven't yet!" Zayd and Ari are going on a special adventure today! But, where are they going... and what is so special about it? While they pack, we can learn about "making predictions" to try to figure out where they will end up. What is a prediction? Have you ever heard a grown up say ‘I predict we will get some snow tonight!'? A prediction is something that you think will happen based on what you already know. We can make predictions about fiction AND nonfiction texts! We can use a clue from the story, and, what we know about that clue. Remember, a fiction text is a story that did not happen in real life. When we make a prediction we use what we know to help us think about what will happen next. Let’s say we’re reading a story about two characters playing in the snow. While it could happen, it might not make sense to make a prediction that the characters are suddenly at the beach. When making a prediction you can use words like ’I think' and 'because' to help make your prediction. Let's make some predictions about where Zayd and Ari are going! Ari has just pulled out their toothbrush and suitcase, what do you think will happen next? We could make a prediction saying (...) 'I think Ari will pack their toothbrush because they took out their suitcase!' Will Ari pack their toothbrush? (pause as we see ari going closer to the suitcase with the toothbrush) Ari packed their toothbrush! Zayd is packing some sunglasses, what do you predict will happen with his sunglasses? Remember you can use the words (...) 'I think' and 'because' to help make a prediction. I think that it will be sunny where they go because Zayd packed sunglasses. Zayd and Ari are packing swim clothes now! What do you predict will happen with their swim clothes? Remember, you can use the words (...) 'I think' and 'because' to help make a prediction. I think that Zayd and Ari will go swimming because they packed their swim clothes. Zayd and Ari are ready to go on their journey! Where do you predict they will go? Before we find out, let's review. Today we learned all about making predictions. A prediction is something that you think will happen based on what you already know. We often make predictions with fiction stories. Remember, fiction stories are stories that are not real. We also learned that when you make a prediction, you use a clue from the story and what you know about that clue to help.. and that you can use words like 'I think' and 'because' to help make your prediction! I think that Zayd and Ari will arrive at their destination soon! : "Ahh, what a good choice to come to the beach!"
Making Predictions exercise
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What does a prediction tell you?
HintsYou use clues from what you already know to make a prediction.
A prediction uses what you already know to help you figure out what will happen later.
SolutionA prediction is what you think will happen based on what you already know.
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What predictions can you make?
HintsClues from a story can help support your predictions.
We can use what we know about those clues to help figure out what will happen next.
SolutionYou can use what you already know to predict what will happen next.
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What do you predict will happen next?
HintsUse clues from the picture to help you figure out where the children may be going next.
Children wear backpacks when going to school.
SolutionThe children have their backpacks on and are dressed nicely. This helps us to predict that they will be going to school!
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Do you hear a prediction?
HintsUse these helping words to make a prediction.
Use I think to make a prediction.
SolutionPredictions usually begin with I think, and give a reason using because.
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Use the pictures to make a prediction.
HintsZayd packing sunglasses helps you to predict that they are going someplace sunny.
Do the children need this for art?
SolutionThese pictures help you to predict that the children will do art next.
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Fill in the helping words to make a prediction.
HintsHelping words are words in a sentence that help us to make a prediction.
You can make a prediction by beginning a sentence with "I think".
SolutionYou can use helping words such as I think and because to make a prediction.
