What: Predict-O-Grams are used to allow students to go beyond the definition of a word and consider its application in the text.

Who: Predict-O-Grams can be used in grades PK-8 as a small group, or whole group activity.

When: This activity can be used BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER reading.

Why: Predict-O-Grams encourage students to form predictions about a selection based on key words found in the text. They allow students to make predictions based on the author’s choice of words and to see how authors use specific words to tell a story. In addition to building vocabulary, the strategy enhances students’ understanding of story elements.

How: The teacher selects a story that students haven’t read and then selects vocabulary words from the text to use during the Predict-O-Gram lesson. Before reading the story, the teacher will write the list of vocabulary words on the board or on a chart. The teacher will discuss the meaning of the words with the class. Students predict what will happen in the story by placing the words from the list in the boxes on the chart. Once students have placed all words, the class will discuss where the students place the words and why they put them there. After reading the story, the class will come back to the chart to see how the predictions compared to the text. The teacher will then have students rewrite their incorrect predictions.