Why Predicting Matters: Building Anticipation in Reading

7 October 2025

Ever been so hooked on a book that you literally couldn’t put it down? Like, flipping page after page, whispering, "Just one more chapter" even though it's 2 AM? Yeah, we’ve all been there. That magical pull – that need to know what happens next – is often sparked by one simple thing: prediction.

Prediction is like the popcorn in the movie theater of reading – it makes the whole experience tastier and way more fun. But what exactly is prediction when it comes to reading, and why does it matter so much? Well, buckle up, reader friend. We're diving deep (but casually!) into why predicting matters and how it builds anticipation in reading.

What Is Predicting in Reading Anyway?

Let’s start simple.

Predicting in reading is when you use clues from the text (the title, cover, what you’ve read so far) and your own brain power (aka prior knowledge) to guess what might happen next. It's like being a literary fortune teller, only your crystal ball is your imagination and your reading comprehension.

Ever watched a mystery movie and shouted, “I bet she’s the killer!” only to feel like a genius when you're right? That’s prediction in action.

Why Do We Predict When We Read?

Predicting isn't just some bonus feature of reading – it's baked right in. Our brains are naturally curious little detectives, always trying to make sense of things and fill in the blanks.

When we read, we want to understand the story, make connections, and, yes, guess where things might be headed. It keeps us engaged. Prediction is kind of like a mental game: We set up theories and then read on to see if we were right.

The Big Reasons We Predict:

- To stay engaged: Guessing what’s next keeps our brains awake and active.
- To make sense of the story: Predicting helps piece together confusing or complex plots.
- To connect emotionally: When we’re guessing what characters will do, we’re investing emotionally in their journey.
- To improve comprehension: If you’re thinking ahead, you’re more likely to remember what you just read.

Pretty neat, huh?

Anticipation: The Secret Sauce to Loving Books

Prediction's cousin? Anticipation.

These two go hand in hand. When we predict something exciting, we feel that buzz of anticipation. It’s the same feeling you get when you're watching a cliffhanger or waiting for your pizza delivery. It’s that mix of curiosity, excitement, and a sprinkle of anxiety that keeps us glued to a story.

Books do this all the time:

- A character hears a noise in the attic… you start predicting, “Something spooky is coming.”
- A secret love letter is found… you predict, “Is this the start of a romance or a disaster?”
- A villain starts smiling… you predict, “Uh-oh. What’s going down next?”

Boom! You’re hooked.

And guess what? That prediction-turned-anticipation is what makes reading feel like an adventure instead of a chore.

How Predicting Helps Kids Become Better Readers

Okay, let’s get a little scholarly (but not boring, promise). For students and young readers, predicting is actually a key reading strategy. Teachers love it – and for good reason.

Here’s why:

🔍 Builds Critical Thinking

When kids predict, they’re not just guessing randomly. They’re analyzing. They look at character behavior, setting, plot clues, and connect it to what they already know. That’s basically the superhero power of critical thinking.

🧠 Strengthens Memory and Recall

Ever forget what you read five minutes ago? Yeah, it happens. But when you’re actively predicting, you’re more likely to retain the info because your brain is doing mental somersaults to figure out the “what’s next?”

💬 Boosts Discussion Skills

Prediction is like adding fuel to the classroom discussion fire.

- “I think she’s going to run away.”
- “Nah, I bet she stays and confronts him.”

Suddenly, it’s debate club in reading class—and that’s a good thing.

💡 Encourages Creativity

Some predictions are spot on. Others? WILD. And that’s perfect. Kids get to imagine different outcomes, thinking outside the box. It makes reading more interactive and, well, less boring.

Simple Ways to Teach Prediction in Reading

Alright, so if prediction is that awesome, how do we actually teach it? Let’s break it down without sounding like a dusty textbook page.

1. Use Book Covers and Titles

Before even opening a book, ask:

- “What do you think this book is about?”
- “What do you think will happen based on this title?”

Boom. Prediction started.

2. Pause Mid-Chapter

Cliffhanger incoming! Pause at a juicy part of the story and ask:

- “What do you think is going to happen next?”
- “Why do you think that?”

This gets readers thinking rather than passively consuming.

3. Keep a Prediction Log

Let students jot down their predictions as they read. When they finish, they can look back and see what they got right (or hilariously wrong).

4. Use Sentence Starters

Help kids out with these:

- “I think ______ because ______.”
- “This reminds me of ______, so maybe ______ will happen.”
- “If I were the character, I would ______, so I think they might too.”

The Brainy Benefits of Anticipation

So, besides the fact that it's fun, does anticipation actually do anything in our brains? Oh yes, it does.

When we anticipate, our brain releases dopamine—the happy chemical. It’s like giving your brain a mini reward for being curious. Every time you think, “OMG what’s next?!” your brain is having a party.

Also, anticipation sharpens our focus. If we’re actively wondering what’ll happen next, we’re more likely to pay close attention to details. It’s like when you’re trying to solve a mystery – every clue matters.

Not Just for Fiction – Predicting Works in Non-Fiction Too!

Let’s not forget: predicting isn't just for Harry Potter or mystery novels. It works everywhere.

Reading a science article? Predict what the experiment results will be. Skimming a history textbook? Predict the outcome of a war based on the causes.

Prediction isn’t about being right all the time. It’s about being curious and engaged. That’s the whole point.

Common Mistakes (And How to Dodge Them)

Now, predicting isn’t flawless. Sometimes we trip up. Here’s what to watch out for:

❌ Wild Guesses with No Clues

Making predictions should be based on something. If a character sneezes and someone predicts the apocalypse, that might be a stretch. Teach readers to find clues in the text.

❌ Sticking to a Prediction Too Much

Sometimes, our predictions are wrong. That’s okay! Encourage flexibility. “Oh wow, I thought he was the bad guy, but now I see he’s just misunderstood.”

❌ Ignoring the Revision Part

A good predictor frequently revises their theories. As the story unfolds, so should the guesses. Keep it fresh!

Fun Activities to Try

Want to make prediction fun? These ideas are tried, tested, and classroom-approved.

📚 The "Stop & Guess" Game

Pick a story with suspense. Stop at critical points and have everyone shout out their predictions before continuing.

✍️ Prediction Comics

Have students draw comic strips showing what they think happens next in a story.

🎭 Acting It Out

Let students act out different predicted endings to a story. It adds drama (and laughs).

How Adults Predict Without Even Trying

Guess what? Grown-ups do this all the time too.

- Reading the news? “I bet this issue is going to escalate.”
- Cooking a new recipe? “I think this dish is going to be a hot mess.”
- Watching a sports game? “He’s totally going to miss that goal.”

We predict constantly. We just don’t always realize it. Once you start noticing, it’s everywhere.

Wrapping It Up: Prediction is the Magic Wand of Reading

Prediction in reading isn’t just a classroom buzzword—it’s the secret sauce that makes stories addictive. When readers actively guess what’s coming, they’re more involved, more joyful, and more likely to stick with the plot.

Anticipation creates that “edge of your seat” feeling we all crave. And the coolest part? Anyone can do it. The more you practice predicting, the better (and more fun) reading becomes.

So, next time you crack open a book or article, pause a sec. Ask yourself: “What’s about to happen?” Your brain will thank you, and the story will just hit different.

Happy predicting, bookworms!