Having students make predictions helps them gain a deeper meaning of the content.

It allows students to make connections to their prior knowledge and activate their learning. This strategy is especially useful in reading, but can also be conducted in other content areas.

How to use in the classroom with reading?

Start by having the students make predictions just by looking at the books cover or from the title of the book. Students should predict what they think the book is going to be about. Have a small group or class discussion about their predictions. Then have the students read into the text. At a certain point have the students stop and from the text they have read, they need to make a new prediction for what they think will occur next. Repeat this process multiple times throughout the book and have the students document their predictions at every stopping point. It is important that students keep track of their predictions, so they can compare their predictions to what they now know. Students can use Semantic maps to document their predictions and then what really happened. Once the book is over have the students predict what they think would happen if the author made a sequel.

https://www.pinterest.com/1stschoolhouse/makingpredictions/

Forming Predictions can be used in any grade level and for any subject. Incorporating predictions into reading is extremely important for a childs ability to comprehend the text that they are reading. Every teacher needs to use prediction strategies in their classrooms!

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References Dean, C.B., Hubbell, E.R., Pitler, H, & Stone, B. (2012) Classroom Instruction that Works Research-Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement . Danvers, MA: McREL Robb, L. (2013) Reading clinic: use predictions to help kids think deeply about books. Scholastic. Retrieved November 25, 2013 from http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/reading-clinic-use-predictionshelp-kids-think-deeply-about-books. Fries-Gaither, J. (Feb. 2011) Making predictions: a strategy for reading and science learning. Beyond weather & the water cycle. Retrieved November 25, 2013 from http://beyondweather.ehe.osu.edu/issue/the-sun-and-earths-climate/makingpredictions-a-strategy-for-reading-and-science-learning. (2013) Predicting. TeacherVision. Retrieved November 25,2013 from https://www.teachervision.com/skill-builder/reading/48711.html.