Activity Overview
During this read-aloud, students are going to have many predictions or inferences, on what they think is going to happen next. A great idea for a storyboard is to have students illustrate their predictions. Plan on specific stopping points while reading, and have your students predict what will happen. They will illustrate their prediction in a storyboard cell and use evidence from the text or prior knowledge to back up their prediction.
The main focus for the storyboard example below was to predict what Elmer will use from his knapsack. The story lists exactly what Elmer brought with him on his trip:
- gum
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- a comb / hairbrush
- 6 magnifying glasses
- 2 dozen pink lollipops
- rubber bands
- jackknife
- hair ribbons
- grain sack with the word cranberry
Using this knowledge, and the narrative about the specific animal, one can predict what they think he will use and how he will use it to escape.
What do you predict Elmer will use from his bag to help him escape from the animal?
Rhino
When Elmer meets the Rhino for the first time, the Rhino is weeping because his tusk is now yellow instead of white
"When I was a young rhinoceros, my tusk was pearly white, but it has turned a nasty yellow-gray in my old age, and I find it very ugly.”
Prediction
I know Elmer packed a tooth brush and paste, I think he is going to give it to the Rhino to help him clean his tusk.Lion
Elmer runs into a lion who is yelling and angry because he has blackberry twigs stuck in his hair.
"A lion was prancing about clawing at his mane, which was snarled and full of blackberry twigs.”
Prediction
I think Elmer will use the brush or the comb to help the lion brush his mane.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Make predictions about what will happen following certain parts of the story.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first description box, describe what is happening in the story, then illustrate in the cell.
- Predict what might happen next in the next description box and illustrate.
- Repeat step 3 for the last cell.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Advanced | Proficient | Emerging | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prediction | Student made a very reasonable prediction based on known context and inferencing. | Student made a prediction, but it lacks strong connection to known context. | Student made a prediction based on nothing in particular. |
| Creativity | The student demonstrated high levels of creativity. The student clearly made references back to the text using humor, wit, or other artistic means. | The student used some creativity throughout their storyboard. The student included subtle originality that showed understanding. | The student did not use much creativity. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading. |
Activity Overview
During this read-aloud, students are going to have many predictions or inferences, on what they think is going to happen next. A great idea for a storyboard is to have students illustrate their predictions. Plan on specific stopping points while reading, and have your students predict what will happen. They will illustrate their prediction in a storyboard cell and use evidence from the text or prior knowledge to back up their prediction.
The main focus for the storyboard example below was to predict what Elmer will use from his knapsack. The story lists exactly what Elmer brought with him on his trip:
- gum
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- a comb / hairbrush
- 6 magnifying glasses
- 2 dozen pink lollipops
- rubber bands
- jackknife
- hair ribbons
- grain sack with the word cranberry
Using this knowledge, and the narrative about the specific animal, one can predict what they think he will use and how he will use it to escape.
What do you predict Elmer will use from his bag to help him escape from the animal?
Rhino
When Elmer meets the Rhino for the first time, the Rhino is weeping because his tusk is now yellow instead of white
"When I was a young rhinoceros, my tusk was pearly white, but it has turned a nasty yellow-gray in my old age, and I find it very ugly.”
Prediction
I know Elmer packed a tooth brush and paste, I think he is going to give it to the Rhino to help him clean his tusk.Lion
Elmer runs into a lion who is yelling and angry because he has blackberry twigs stuck in his hair.
"A lion was prancing about clawing at his mane, which was snarled and full of blackberry twigs.”
Prediction
I think Elmer will use the brush or the comb to help the lion brush his mane.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Make predictions about what will happen following certain parts of the story.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first description box, describe what is happening in the story, then illustrate in the cell.
- Predict what might happen next in the next description box and illustrate.
- Repeat step 3 for the last cell.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Advanced | Proficient | Emerging | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prediction | Student made a very reasonable prediction based on known context and inferencing. | Student made a prediction, but it lacks strong connection to known context. | Student made a prediction based on nothing in particular. |
| Creativity | The student demonstrated high levels of creativity. The student clearly made references back to the text using humor, wit, or other artistic means. | The student used some creativity throughout their storyboard. The student included subtle originality that showed understanding. | The student did not use much creativity. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading. |
How Tos about Making Predictions in My Father\'s Dragon
How to Facilitate Small Group Prediction Discussions in Reading
Encourage students to share their predictions in small groups to build confidence and deepen comprehension. Small group discussions help quieter students participate and learn from peers.
Assign student roles for group discussions
Designate roles like predictor, evidence-finder, and illustrator. Assigning roles keeps everyone engaged and accountable.
Set clear discussion questions
Provide focused questions such as, “What do you think will happen next?” and “What clues from the text support your prediction?” This helps guide meaningful conversation.
Model respectful listening and response
Demonstrate how to listen thoughtfully and respond with phrases like, “I agree because…” or “I have a different idea because…” This fosters a positive, collaborative environment.
Have groups share highlights with the class
Invite each group to share one interesting prediction or piece of evidence. Sharing highlights builds confidence and encourages whole-class learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Making Predictions in My Father\'s Dragon
How can I teach students to make predictions while reading My Father's Dragon?
Teach prediction skills by stopping at key moments in My Father's Dragon and asking students what might happen next. Encourage them to use evidence from the text and prior knowledge to support their ideas. Using activities like storyboards helps students visualize and explain their predictions.
What is a simple prediction activity for My Father's Dragon in grades 2-3?
Create a storyboard prediction activity: after reading each chapter or scene, have students draw what they think will happen next and write a short explanation using clues from the story. This helps younger students practice both reading comprehension and inference skills.
Why is it important for students to use evidence when making predictions in a story?
Using evidence encourages students to think critically and base their predictions on facts rather than guesses. This skill improves reading comprehension and prepares them for more advanced analysis as they grow as readers.
What are some key items Elmer brings in his knapsack, and how can students use this list for predictions?
Elmer's knapsack contains items like gum, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, magnifying glasses, lollipops, rubber bands, jackknife, hair ribbons, and a grain sack. Students can predict how each item might help Elmer solve problems or escape from animals, connecting the objects to story events for deeper engagement.
How can I use storyboards to support reading comprehension in My Father's Dragon?
Storyboards let students illustrate predictions and key events, making abstract thinking visible. By drawing and describing what happens and what might happen next, students clarify their understanding and strengthen comprehension skills.
More Storyboard That Activities
My Father's Dragon
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