Comprehension Strategies – Visualising and Predicting

  • Objective: Learn about and use the comprehension strategies visualising and predicting.

Introductory Video

Introduction:

When we read, we can use special strategies to help us understand the story better. Two of these strategies are Visualising and predicting. Visualising means making pictures in our mind about what we are reading. Predicting means guessing what might happen next in the story. Let’s learn how to use these strategies with some examples!

Visualising:

Visualising is like using your imagination to see the story in your mind. When you read, try to think about what the characters, places, and events look like. This makes reading more fun and helps you remember the story better.

Example:

Let’s read a short passage and try to Visualise:

“Lucy walked through the magical forest. The trees were tall and had glowing leaves. She saw a sparkling river and colourful flowers all around.”

Exercise:
  1. Close your eyes and think about what you just read.
  2. Picture Lucy walking in the forest. What do the trees look like? How do the glowing leaves shine? Can you see the sparkling river and colourful flowers?
  3. Draw a picture of what you imagined.
Predicting:

Predicting means guessing what might happen next in the story. When you make predictions, you use clues from the story and your own ideas to guess what will come next.

Example:

Let’s read another passage and make a prediction:

“Tom found a mysterious map in his attic. The map had a big X on it. He decided to follow the map to see what he could find.”

Exercise:
  1. Think about what you just read.
  2. Use the clues in the passage to guess what might happen next. Where do you think the map will lead Tom? What might he find at the big X?
  3. Write or draw your prediction.
Using Both Strategies Together:

Sometimes, using both Visualising and predicting can help us understand the story even better.

Example:

Let’s read one more passage:

“Sara and her dog Max were exploring an old, abandoned castle. Suddenly, they heard a strange noise coming from one of the rooms. Sara held Max’s leash tightly and walked towards the noise.”

Exercise:
  1. Visualise: Close your eyes and picture Sara and Max in the castle. What does the castle look like? How does Sara feel as she hears the noise? What does Max do?
  2. Predict: Guess what might happen next. What do you think is making the strange noise? Will Sara and Max find something surprising in the room?
  3. Share your ideas with a friend or family member.

Conclusion:

Using Visualising and predicting strategies makes reading more exciting and helps you understand the story better. Visualising means making pictures in your mind about what you read, and predicting means guessing what will happen next. Try using these strategies next time you read a story. They will help you enjoy reading even more!