Editor's note: This blog post was originally published on March 6, 2014.
We've all heard "Never judge a book by its cover" but that's exactly what this activity asks your children to do. It's not all it will ask, though. It hooks them with a little guess work, and then gets them to read the book to see if their predictions are right.
Now, making predictions about a book isn't about testing children's ability at making educated guesses. It's about getting them invested in the reading experience. When your kids take the time to use the information they have from the cover art and title — added to their prior knowledge about the author or series — they've taken the first step to dive into the book.
Using this printable helps your child record his/her predictions and refer back to them after starting the book. This is great activity for books that can't be read in just one sitting.
Here's how you can help your child complete this activity.
First, encourage your child to choose a book and examine the cover. Ask your child to tell you his or her predictions on what the book is about, then have your child write down the predictions on the printable. Your child's next step is reading the book. Once the book is read, you and your child can look at the printable to confirm or correct the predictions.
Then, have your child discuss the plot with you, and summarize what the book was really about. If your child is writing independently, let him or her write a brief summary of the book. If not, have your child dictate the summary to you and draw a picture on the back of the printable.
When your children take time to predict, discuss, summarize, and even draw pictures about what they've read, it builds their comprehension skills. A printable like this just adds a little novelty to help make skill building more fun.
Do you have tips to help your children retain what they read? Share your experiences on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page!
Featured Photo Credit: © Solovyova/Thinkstock
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Check out bloggers Amy Mascott and Allie McDonald's book, Raising a Rock-Star Reader: 75 Quick Tips for Helping Your Child Develop a Lifelong Love for Reading. Get expert advice and learn new strategies for your young readers.
