Learners read the beginning sentences from a story, play, poem, or informational content and make predictions about the content of what they’re about to read. As learners read the content in its entirety, they discuss, revisit, and/or revise their original predictions.
Purpose
- Make and verify predictions
- Stimulate interest and curiosity
- Set a goal for reading
Implementation
- Distribute copies of this “First Lines”graphic organizer (Click here to access all of our graphic organizer forms).Ask learners to begin reading the first line of the assigned content.
- Ask your students to make predictions for the reading based on what they read in the first sentence. Remind them that there is no correct or incorrect way to make predictions about content, but emphasize that readers must be able to support their predictions with evidence from the text. Learners must record their predictions on the “First Lines”graphic organizer.
- Lead the class in a discussion about each student’s predictions.
- Ask learners to discuss their predictions and note any changes or additions to their predictions on the “First Lines”graphic organizer before reading the content. Learners may work in groups or individually.
- Encourage learners to return to their original predictions after reading the content, assessing their initial projections, and building evidence to support those predictions that are accurate. Learners can create new forecasts, as well.