Strategy #24 Other Teaching/Instructional Strategies

Prediction Tree
Purpose: To make predictions and formulate hypotheses about reading material. Basics: Time Allotted Materials

10-15 minutes Prediction tree graphic organizer, selected reading material

Room Arrangement Desks, rows, independent work or whole class

Process Directions: 1. Assign reading selection. 2. Have students begin making a list of predictions, placing their predictions within the prediction ovals. The teacher may ask the students, What information do you think will be revealed in this article, based on its title? 3. Prior to reading, students will write down why they are making the prediction based on what they see in the reading selection. 4. Students will record information on the Prediction Tree graphic organizer. 5. After reading the selection, students place a + next to predictions that were confirmed by the text. They place an R next to predictions that needed to be revised based on the information in the text. Finally, they place an NA next to predictions that were not applicable for the article. 6. Students learn how to refine their predictions when they begin to code their ideas. They start focusing on clues in the text to make reasonable predictions. When/Examples: I will utilize the prediction tree in my social studies classroom to help students make predictions about what a certain text will be about. For example, when students are researching important figures of the Underground Railroad, I can implement this strategy to see how much students already know about these individuals. It will help students draw conclusions, learn how to ask questions, and set purposes for their reading. Source: Prediction plus coding. Instructional strategies for the journey north teacher. Retrieved April 2012. Retrieved from http:www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/InstrucStrat24.html