PREDICTIONS: Prior & During

PREDICTIONS: Prior & During

Fictional reading strategies differ from Non-fictional reading strategies. Fiction text has a standard format to include Story Elements:

• Characters = the people, animals, & things participating in the story;

• Setting = the where and when of the story;

• Plot = the sequence of events in the story;

• Point of View = who is telling the story;

• Theme = the general message or main idea of the story.

For a detailed description of Story Elements, please see Story Elements Fiction.

PRIOR After completing a “Book Walk”, BUT before actually beginning the story, create predictions using five main story elements as a foundation. Creating predictions at this early stage will keep the reader engaged with the text. Readers will be actively thinking about the story, begin to ask questions, and build connections between their predictions and the actual story. Predictions may alter and change as the reader reflects upon the text.

DURING reading a fictional story, stop after each page or chapter, creating predictions for each of the main story elements. Creating predictions during reading, continues to keep the reader engaged and interactive with the text, increasing comprehension. As additional information about the characters and events evolve, predictions may alter and change.