What Happens Next?
The Spark
Concept
Prediction is a metacognitive reading strategy. Good readers actively anticipate what will happen next using clues from the text and their own knowledge. This keeps readers engaged and trains them to read for meaning, not just words.
Activity
Hold up a picture book with the title covered. Show only the cover illustration and ask: 'What do you think this book is about? What clues did you use to decide?' Reveal the title and see if they were right. This makes the skill of using evidence visible.
Check
While reading, pause at key moments and ask: 'What do you think will happen next? Why do you think that?' A confident predictor gives reasons based on the text, not random guesses.
What Is a Prediction?
Circle the best definition of a prediction.
A prediction is:
Good predictions use:
Predict From the Title (Set A)
Read each book title. Circle what you think the story will be about.
Title: 'The Lost Puppy'
Title: 'The Magic Treehouse'
Title: 'Shark in the Bath!'
Predict From the Cover (Set A)
Look at a book you have not read yet. Write your prediction based on the cover.
Book title:
What I see on the cover:
My prediction — I think this book will be about:
Good Prediction or Wild Guess? (Set A)
Sort each prediction: is it based on clues (good) or random (wild guess)?
Which Prediction Uses a Clue? (Set A)
Read the story opening. Circle the prediction best supported by clues.
Lily looked at the dark clouds and grabbed her umbrella. What will happen next?
Tom opened his lunchbox and frowned. It was empty! What will Tom do?
My First Prediction
Make a prediction before reading a book. Then check it after.
Book title:
BEFORE reading — I predict:
My clue:
AFTER reading — Was I right?
Predict From the Title (Set B)
Circle the best prediction for each title.
Title: 'The Grumpy Toad'
Title: 'Superhero Nana'
Title: 'Race to the Moon'
Match the Title to the Prediction
Draw a line from each title to the best prediction.
Predict From the First Page
Read only the first page of a story. Write your prediction.
Book title:
What happened on the first page:
My prediction for the rest of the story:
My clue:
Which Prediction Uses a Clue? (Set B)
Circle the prediction based on clues.
The puppy heard a noise behind the bush. Its ears pricked up. What will the puppy do?
Mia practised her dance for weeks. The show is tomorrow. How does Mia feel?
Good Prediction or Wild Guess? (Set B)
Sort each prediction.
Predict What Happens Next (Set A)
Read the short story beginning. Write what you think will happen next.
Story: 'Ella put on her rain boots and opened the front door. Puddles covered the footpath. She looked at her new boots and smiled.'
I predict Ella will:
My clue from the story:
Predict the Ending (Set A)
Read the story. Circle the most likely ending.
Jack tried to climb the big tree. He got halfway up but his foot slipped. He grabbed a branch. What happens next?
Mum put a cake in the oven and set the timer. She forgot about it and went outside. After a long time, she smelled something burning. What happens?
Draw and Write Your Prediction (Set A)
Choose a book. Stop at an exciting moment. Draw what you think happens next.
Draw your prediction:
My prediction in one sentence:
The clue I used:
Prediction Vs Fact
Circle P if it is a prediction (has not happened yet) or F if it is a fact (already happened).
I think the dog will run away.
The boy ate his lunch.
I think it will rain because of the dark clouds.
The cat sat on the mat.
Predict From the First Sentence
Read only the first sentence. Predict what the story will be about.
Sentence: 'The old woman opened the door and found a baby dragon on her doorstep.' Predict:
Sentence: 'Nobody at school knew that Max had a superpower.' Predict:
Match the Clue to the Prediction
Draw a line from each clue to the best prediction.
Predict What Happens Next (Set B)
Read and predict.
Story: 'The kitten climbed higher and higher up the tree. It looked down and meowed loudly. It would not move.'
I predict:
Clue:
Predict Before a Read-Aloud
Before your next read-aloud, make 3 predictions about the book.
Book title:
Prediction 1:
Prediction 2:
Prediction 3:
After reading — how many were right? ___/3
Predict While You Read
Make predicting a habit every time you read!
- 1Before opening any new book, look at the cover for 30 seconds and make 2 predictions.
- 2Pause before turning each page and ask: 'What do you think we will see next?'
- 3Watch the first 5 minutes of a new show, then predict what will happen.
- 4After a wrong prediction, ask: 'What clue told us what really happened?'
Which Prediction Uses a Clue? (Set C)
Circle the best prediction based on the clues.
Ben put on his helmet and knee pads. He picked up his skateboard. What will Ben do?
The teacher handed out paper and crayons. She said 'Draw your favourite animal.' What will the class do?
Grandma put flour, eggs and sugar on the bench. She opened the recipe book. What will Grandma do?
Stop and Predict (Set A)
While reading, stop at an exciting moment. Write your prediction.
I stopped on page:
What has happened so far:
My prediction:
My clue:
Clue or Not a Clue? (Set A)
When making a prediction about a story about a lost dog, sort which things are helpful clues and which are not.
Predict and Check (Set A)
Make a prediction, then read to check it. Record your results.
My prediction BEFORE reading:
What ACTUALLY happened:
Was I right? (yes/partly/no)
The clue I should have noticed:
Predict the Ending (Set B)
Circle the most likely ending.
Zara studied hard for her spelling test all week. She practised every night. The test day arrived. What will probably happen?
The baby bird tried to fly. It flapped its tiny wings and fell. It tried again. It flapped harder. What will probably happen?
Predict What the Character Will Do
Based on what you know about the character, predict their actions.
Character: A very brave knight who always helps people. Problem: A dragon is scaring the village. Predict:
Character: A shy girl who loves animals. Problem: She finds a hurt bird. Predict:
Match the Story Problem to the Prediction
Draw a line from each problem to the most likely outcome.
Predict From a Picture (Set A)
Look at a picture in a book (without reading the words). Write what you think is happening.
What I see in the picture:
What I think is happening:
What I think will happen next:
Which Clue Supports the Prediction? (Set A)
A prediction has been made. Circle the clue that supports it.
Prediction: 'I think the family will go to the beach.' Which clue supports this?
Prediction: 'I think it will snow.' Which clue supports this?
Three Predictions, One Story
Make 3 predictions at different points while reading one story.
Book title:
Prediction 1 (from the cover):
Prediction 2 (from the middle):
Prediction 3 (near the end):
Which prediction was most accurate? Why?
Predict and Check (Set B)
Make a prediction, read on, and record what actually happened.
Story:
My prediction:
What actually happened:
Was I close? What clue did I miss?
Predict From Character Feelings
Use the character's feelings to predict what they will do.
Emma is furious because her brother broke her toy. What will Emma probably do?
Jake is so excited about the party he cannot sit still. What will Jake probably do?
Predict What Happens Next (Set C)
Read and predict.
Story: 'The class was very quiet. Everyone was writing their test. Suddenly, the fire alarm went off! The teacher stood up quickly.'
I predict:
Clue:
Clue or Not a Clue? (Set B)
A character is about to get in trouble. Sort which details are clues and which are not.
Predict How the Character Feels (Set A)
Read the situation. Predict how the character will feel.
Situation: Lily has been waiting all week for her birthday. Today is the day! Predict how Lily feels:
Situation: Oscar's best friend is moving to a different town. Predict how Oscar feels:
Situation: Zara just won first place in the swimming race. Predict how Zara feels:
Predict and Check (Set C)
Record your prediction journey through a story.
Book:
Prediction at the start:
Was I right? (yes/partly/no)
Prediction in the middle:
Was I right? (yes/partly/no)
Which Prediction Uses a Clue? (Set D)
Circle the best prediction.
Dad looked at the flat tyre and sighed. He opened the boot of the car. What will Dad do?
The baby dropped her biscuit on the floor and started to cry. Mum walked over. What will Mum do?
It was getting dark. The stars began to appear. Mum said, 'Time to go inside.' What will happen?
Write a Prediction Sentence
For each scenario, write a prediction using the sentence frame: 'I predict... because...'
Scenario: A girl sees a long queue at the ice cream van. I predict... because...
Scenario: A boy is packing his suitcase with warm clothes. I predict... because...
Scenario: The clouds are very dark and the wind is strong. I predict... because...
Match the Clue to the Prediction (Set B)
Draw a line from each clue to its prediction.
Prediction Power!
Use your prediction skills in everyday life!
- 1Predict what will happen in a TV show before the next scene.
- 2Before opening a present, predict what is inside based on the size and shape.
- 3Predict what the weather will be like tomorrow — check the next day.
- 4While cooking, predict what the food will taste like based on the ingredients.
Predict What Happens Next (Set D)
Read and predict.
Story: 'The old boat rocked back and forth. Water was leaking in through a small hole. Captain Pip grabbed a bucket and started scooping water out. But the hole was getting bigger.'
I predict:
My clue:
Which Prediction Uses a Clue? (Set F)
Circle the best prediction.
A girl is wrapping a present and singing 'Happy Birthday'. What is she doing?
The leaves on the trees are turning orange and falling off. What season is it?
A boy puts on his swimming togs and grabs a towel. Where is he going?
Predict and Check (Set G)
Make a prediction, then find out if you were right.
Story or book:
My prediction:
What actually happened:
How close was I? (very close / somewhat close / way off)
Strong Clue or Weak Clue? (Set B)
A character is about to receive a surprise. Sort which details are strong clues and which are weak.
Predict Using Your Own Knowledge
Sometimes you use what you ALREADY KNOW (not just the text) to make predictions.
Story: 'The cat crouched down and stared at the bird on the fence.' I predict... (using what I know about cats):
Story: 'The dark clouds rolled in and the wind picked up.' I predict... (using what I know about weather):
Story: 'The baby reached for the hot cup on the edge of the table.' I predict... (using what I know about babies):
Match the Clue to the Prediction (Set C)
Draw a line from each clue to the best prediction.
Predict What Happens Next (Set E)
Read and predict.
Story: 'The class hamster, Mr Whiskers, was not in his cage! The cage door was open. Miss Taylor said, Nobody panic. Let's search the classroom carefully.'
Where do you think Mr Whiskers is?
How do you think they will find him?
Predict the Ending (Set D)
Circle the most likely ending.
A girl entered the talent show with a song she had been practising for months. She was nervous on stage but started singing. Her voice was beautiful. The crowd went quiet and listened. What probably happens?
Two brothers planted a vegetable garden. They watered it, weeded it and waited. After 6 weeks, tiny tomatoes started to appear. What probably happens next?
Predict From a Picture (Set B)
Look at a picture in a book. Cover the words. Write your prediction.
What I see:
What I predict is happening:
After reading: was my prediction correct?
Prediction Practice Log
Over the next 3 days, make one prediction per day while reading. Record them here.
Day 1 — Book:
Day 1 — Prediction:
Day 1 — Right? (yes/no)
Day 2 — Book:
Day 2 — Prediction:
Day 2 — Right? (yes/no)
Day 3 — Book:
Day 3 — Prediction:
Day 3 — Right? (yes/no)
Predict From a Longer Story (Set A)
Read this story beginning. Make 2 predictions.
Story: 'Maya loved her garden. Every day after school she watered the flowers, pulled out weeds and talked to her plants. One morning she noticed something strange — a flower she had never seen before was growing in the corner. It was bright purple with silver spots. Maya had never planted it.'
Prediction 1 (what is the flower?):
Prediction 2 (what will Maya do?):
My clues:
Best Prediction for the Story (Set A)
Based on the story about Maya and the strange flower, circle the best prediction.
What will Maya do next?
What might the flower be?
Predict and Check (Set D)
Read half a story. Predict the ending. Then read the rest.
Story title:
Summary of the first half:
My prediction for the ending:
The actual ending:
Was I right? Why or why not?
Predict From a Longer Story (Set B)
Read and predict.
Story: 'Ollie wanted a pet more than anything. He asked Mum every single day. Mum always said, Not yet. One Saturday morning, Mum said, Get in the car, Ollie. We are going somewhere special. She had a big smile on her face. They drove past the shops, past the park, and turned down a road Ollie had never been on before.'
Where do you think they are going?
What clues tell you?
Strong Clue or Weak Clue?
For the Ollie story, sort which clues are strong (really helpful) and which are weak (not very helpful).
Two Different Predictions
Sometimes there are multiple possible predictions. Write TWO different predictions for the same story.
Story: 'A letter arrived in the mail for Grandma. She opened it and her eyes went wide. She put her hand over her mouth.'
Prediction A (good news):
Prediction B (bad news):
Which prediction do you think is more likely? Why?
Which Clue Supports the Prediction? (Set B)
Circle the clue that best supports each prediction.
Prediction: 'The children will go inside.' Best clue:
Prediction: 'The character will apologise.' Best clue:
Predict and Check: Non-fiction
Predictions work for non-fiction too! Before reading a non-fiction text, predict what you will learn.
Topic:
What I already know about this topic:
What I predict I will learn:
After reading — what did I actually learn?
Predict From a Longer Story (Set C)
Read and predict.
Story: 'The old treehouse had been empty for years. Nobody went up there anymore. But one afternoon, Kai noticed a light in the window. He heard soft music playing. Kai stood at the bottom of the ladder and looked up. The wooden rungs looked old and wobbly.'
What do you think Kai will do?
Who or what do you think is in the treehouse?
Your clues:
Prediction Journal
Keep a prediction journal for one week!
- 1Keep a prediction journal: for each book, write your prediction before, during and after.
- 2Watch a nature documentary and predict what the animal will do next.
- 3Predict the ending of a story before the last page — were you right?
- 4Discuss predictions with a friend or family member — do you predict the same thing?
Predict Using Character Knowledge
Based on what you know about each character, predict their action.
A character who is always very kind sees a lost puppy. They will probably:
A character who is very curious finds a mysterious door. They will probably:
A character who is very brave hears a scream for help. They will probably:
Predict the Lesson or Message
Some stories have a lesson or message. Predict what the lesson will be.
Story summary: 'A fox keeps trying to steal honey from bees. Every time he gets stung. But he keeps trying new clever plans.' Predicted lesson:
Story summary: 'A girl who always lies finds that nobody believes her when she tells the truth.' Predicted lesson:
Predict From a Longer Story (Set D)
Read and predict.
Story: 'It was the night before the school play. Priya had the main part. She had practised her lines a hundred times. But lying in bed, she could not remember a single word. Her mind was completely blank. She pulled the covers over her head.'
What will happen at the school play?
How do you think the story will end?
Your clues:
Prediction Types
Sort each prediction by type.
Predict and Check (Set E)
Multi-point prediction check.
Book:
Prediction 1:
Right? (yes/no)
Prediction 2:
Right? (yes/no)
Prediction 3:
Right? (yes/no)
Overall accuracy: ___/3
Predict the Ending (Set C)
Circle the most likely ending.
Two friends had a big argument. They did not speak for a whole week. Then one of them left a note saying 'I am sorry.' What will probably happen?
A girl trained hard for the race. She felt strong and ready. The starting gun went off. She ran as fast as she could. She was in second place near the end. What will probably happen?
Predict the Sequel
Think of a story you have read recently. Predict what would happen in a sequel.
Story:
How did it end?
My prediction for a sequel:
Predict What Someone Will Say (Set A)
Based on the situation, predict what each character will say.
A child brings home a great report card. Mum will say:
A dog knocks over the vase. Dad will say:
A friend shares their lunch with you. You will say:
When My Prediction Was Wrong
Write about a time your prediction was wrong. What actually happened? What clue did you miss?
My prediction was:
What actually happened:
The clue I missed:
Match the Genre to the Prediction Style
Different types of stories lead to different types of predictions. Match each genre to its prediction style.
Predict From a Longer Story (Set E)
Read and predict.
Story: 'Every afternoon, a mysterious package appeared on Mia's doorstep. Inside was always the same thing — a single red flower. There was never a note. Mia asked her family, her neighbours, even the postman. Nobody knew where the flowers came from. On Friday, Mia decided to set up a camera.'
Who do you think is leaving the flowers?
What will the camera reveal?
Your clues and reasoning:
Predict and Check (Set F)
Complete prediction tracking for a full book.
Book:
Cover prediction:
Quarter-way prediction:
Halfway prediction:
Three-quarter prediction:
Was the ending what you expected? Why or why not?
Which Prediction Uses a Clue? (Set E)
Circle the best prediction.
The dog wagged its tail and ran to the door. It barked excitedly. The key turned in the lock. What is happening?
Mum looked at the thermometer and sighed. She put a cool cloth on the child's forehead. What is happening?
Predict How a Story Will End (Set A)
Read the story so far. Write how you think it will end and why.
Story so far: 'A rabbit and a tortoise decided to race. The rabbit was much faster and ran far ahead. Feeling confident, the rabbit sat down under a tree for a rest. Meanwhile, the tortoise kept walking slowly but steadily...'
My prediction for the ending:
Why I think this:
Predict Using Story Patterns
Many stories follow patterns. Use these patterns to help you predict.
A pattern I have noticed in stories:
An example of a story that followed this pattern:
An example of a story that surprised me (broke the pattern):
Predict From a Longer Story (Set F)
Read and predict.
Story: 'The old map was hidden inside the library book. It showed a path through the forest to a cave behind the waterfall. At the bottom, someone had written: Only the brave will find what lies within. Jack looked at his best friend Ali. Without saying a word, they both knew what they were going to do.'
What will Jack and Ali do?
What might they find in the cave?
What challenges might they face?
Predict What Someone Will Say (Set B)
Predict the dialogue in each situation.
A teacher discovers a student cheating on a test. Teacher says:
A child sees a shooting star for the first time. They say:
Compare Your Predictions to a Friend's
Read the same story beginning with a family member. BOTH make a prediction (without telling each other). Compare.
Story:
My prediction:
Their prediction:
Were they the same or different? Why?
Write a Story With a Twist
Write a short story where the ending surprises the reader — it is NOT what they would predict!
My twist story:
What would most readers predict?
What actually happens in my story?
Prediction Skills Everywhere
Use your prediction skills outside of books!
- 1Watch a sports game and predict who will score next. What clues are you using?
- 2Look at the sky each morning and predict the weather for the day.
- 3Predict what will happen in a video game before you play the next level.
- 4Start a 'Prediction Score Card': track how many of your reading predictions are correct over a week.
Predict From a Complex Story
Read this story with multiple characters and predict.
Story: 'Three siblings — Ella, Max and baby Leo — were home alone when the power went out. Ella, the oldest, found a torch. Max started to cry. Baby Leo just laughed and clapped his hands in the dark. Ella heard a strange scratching noise coming from the back door.'
What is making the scratching noise?
What will Ella do?
How will Max react?
Your clues:
Predict Based on Character Personality
Use what you know about each character type to predict.
A character described as 'clever and tricky' faces a locked door. They will probably:
A character described as 'generous and kind' finds extra food. They will probably:
A character who 'never gives up' fails on their first try. They will probably:
Predict the Consequences
Every action has consequences. Predict what will happen as a result of each action.
Action: A boy leaves his bike outside in the rain overnight. Consequence:
Action: A girl practises piano every day for a month. Consequence:
Action: A child eats too much cake at the party. Consequence:
Predict From a Longer Story (Set G)
Read and make multiple predictions.
Story: 'The science fair was tomorrow. Ivy had spent weeks building a volcano model. It was perfect. She carried it carefully to the car. But when Dad opened the car door, the dog jumped out and crashed right into the volcano. Pieces flew everywhere. Ivy stood there, mouth open, holding a pile of crumbs.'
What will Ivy do?
Will she still go to the science fair? How?
What lesson might this story teach?
Predict and Check: Full Book
Complete this prediction log for an entire book.
Book title:
Prediction from cover:
Prediction from chapter 1:
Prediction from the middle:
Prediction near the end:
Accuracy: ___/4 correct
What I learned about predicting:
Write a Cliff-hanger
Write a story that stops at the most exciting moment — a cliff-hanger! Ask someone to predict what happens next.
My cliff-hanger story:
Someone else's prediction:
Predict the Genre (Set A)
Based on the first sentence, predict what genre (type) of story this is.
'Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away...'
'Detective Brown studied the footprints in the mud...'
'The spaceship hurtled through the asteroid belt...'
Predict How Problems Will Be Solved
For each story problem, predict how it might be solved.
Problem: The bridge is broken and they need to cross the river. Prediction:
Problem: Two best friends both want the same toy. Prediction:
Problem: The class pet (a hamster) has escaped! Prediction:
Predict From Real Life
Make predictions about real-life situations.
Situation: A new kid is starting at your school tomorrow. Predict:
Situation: You plant a seed and water it every day. Predict:
Situation: You practise reading every night. Predict:
My Prediction Skills Assessment
Honestly assess your prediction skills.
I am good at predicting from: (pictures/titles/words/character actions/all of these)
I find it hardest to predict: (events/feelings/what people will say/endings)
My predictions are usually: (accurate/sometimes right/need improvement)
The best prediction I ever made:
Predict From a Longer Story (Set H)
Read and predict.
Story: 'The annual bake-off competition was fierce this year. Grandma had won for the last three years with her famous chocolate cake. But this year, a new baker called Mrs Tanaka entered with something nobody had ever seen — a cake shaped like a dragon that breathed real steam (from dry ice). The judges looked amazed. Grandma looked at her chocolate cake and then at the dragon cake.'
Who will win the bake-off? Why?
How will Grandma react?
Write a Story Where Predictions Go Wrong
Write a story where a character makes a prediction that turns out to be completely wrong. What do they learn?
My story:
Predict From Two Points of View
The same event is happening. Two characters have different predictions.
Event: A big storm is coming to a small town.
Prediction from a worried parent:
Prediction from an excited child:
Why are their predictions different?
Predict the Next Chapter
If you are reading a chapter book, predict what will happen in the next chapter.
Book:
What happened in this chapter:
My prediction for the next chapter:
Clues I am using:
Teach Someone to Predict
Explain the prediction strategy to someone younger or someone who has not learned it yet.
Who I taught:
How I explained what a prediction is:
The example I used:
Did they understand? (yes/no)
Prediction Quiz
Write 3 mini story openings. For each, write two possible predictions — one good and one wild guess.
Mini story 1:
Good prediction:
Wild guess:
Mini story 2:
Good prediction:
Wild guess:
My Prediction Journey
Reflect on how your prediction skills have grown.
At the start of this worksheet, my predictions were:
Now my predictions are:
The most important thing I learned about predicting:
How I will use prediction skills in the future:
Predict the Author's Next Move
Think about a favourite author. Based on their other books, predict what their NEXT book might be about.
Author:
What their books are usually about:
My prediction for their next book:
Ultimate Prediction Challenge
Make 5 predictions about what will happen in your life this week. Check them at the end of the week.
Prediction 1:
Prediction 2:
Prediction 3:
Prediction 4:
Prediction 5:
End of week — how many were right? ___/5
Prediction Champion!
You have completed 100 prediction activities! You are now a Prediction Champion!
- 1Continue making predictions every time you read — it will become automatic.
- 2Try predicting in real life: what will happen at the shops, at school, at the park?
- 3Read a mystery book and try to solve it before the detective does.
- 4Discuss predictions with friends — do they predict the same things as you? Why or why not?