As good readers read, they ask themselves questions and make predictions about what will happen next. These predictions make it easier to understand what comes next and significantly add to the enjoyment of reading. It is rewarding to anticipate where the plot may lead, and then watch it unfold. Often an author will purposely lead the reader to a false expectation, so that the reader can enjoy the surprise of a different outcome. The reader will never have surprises if he has made no predictions. Getting new readers to trust their predictions, and to recover when their predictions are wrong, is a critical part of empowering students with the skill of understanding.
The Way Reading Is Typically Taught
Where am I in the content of the book?
