Boost Your Child’s Reading Skills with Predictions

One of the best ways to engage young readers and build comprehension skills is by making predictions while reading. When children actively think about what might happen next in a story, they strengthen their critical thinking, problem-solving, and inference skills—all essential for becoming strong, confident readers.

Why Making Predictions Matters

• When kids predict what will happen in a story, they:
  Stay engaged and curious about the book
• Connect previous events to what might come next
• Strengthen their ability to understand story structure
• Develop reasoning skills by using context clues

How to Encourage Predictions

Making predictions can be simple and fun! Try these easy ways to get started:

• Before Reading: Look at the cover and title. Ask, “What do you think this book is about?” or “What clues do you see in the pictures?”
• During Reading: Pause at key moments and ask, “What do you think will happen next?” or “What would you do if you were this character?”
• After Reading: Reflect on the predictions made. Ask, “Were your predictions correct? What surprised you?”

Keep It Fun!

There are no wrong answers when making predictions—encourage your child to think creatively and explain their reasoning. This small habit can turn reading into an exciting adventure and help build a lifelong love of books!

📚 Try it out today! The next time you read with your child, ask them to predict what will happen next and watch their imagination grow.

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Mr. Poole’s Reading Tips are developed by Derek A. Poole M.Ed. Derek is the Director of Education for Literacy Volunteers of Wayne County and the Founder of Our Community Reads, an early literacy initiative that promotes learning through literacy and a love for reading. The program is designed to provide and model best practices for children and their families throughout Wayne County. The program is entering its 17th year. Currently, the program reads to over 3000 students per week in 9 School Districts.