“Making Predictions from A-Z”

“Making Predictions from A-Z”
Predictions

Predicting  involves previewing the text to anticipate what will happen next.
The thinking processes involved in predicting assist students in making
meaning (Block, Rodgers, & Johnson, 2004). By making predictions, readers
are using the following processes: prior knowledge, thinking on a literal and
inferential level, adding to their knowledge base, linking efferent and affective
thinking processes, making connections, and filling the gaps in the author's
writing (Block et. al., 2004). Making predictions while reading keeps the mind
actively focused  on the author's meaning and provides the reader with
motivation and a purpose for reading.
  1.  The teacher chooses a reading selection.

2.   Prior to distributing the “Making the Predictions A-Z”  graphic organizer
and article,  the teacher chooses 3  –  5 letters and writes them on the line
provided for directions. The teacher should choose letters at the beginning
of words that students may find in the text or associated with the text. 

3.   Distribute the “Making Predictions from “A-Z” graphic organizers. 

4.   Read aloud the title of the reading selection before distributing to
students.  A brief discussion may be necessary.

5.   Using the letters that are listed at the top under “Directions”, students will
record words in the appropriate box that they think they will see in the
upcoming text that begin with those letters. (i.e If reading selection title is
“The Oklahoma City Bombing” … one of the letters listed at the top could
be “T” … students might write “terrorist” in the box labeled “S-T-U). This
step is done independently. (approx. 1 minute)

6.   Students share their words with a partner and form a prediction    about
the text. (approx. 1 minute)

7.   Discuss words and predictions with the whole group. (approx. 1 minute)

8.  Distribute and read selection.

9.   Return to words and predictions for discussions and after reading.