Prediction Basketball

“This is a kinesthetic and cooperative activity that puts a little more fun into making predictions. It also can be used for other comprehension habits as a way of mixing up answers and creating random participation."

Procedure

1. Have students read a text and stop at a point you designate. Have each student write one major prediction on a half sheet of paper, along with his or her evidence for the prediction.

2. Put a makeshift basketball hoop (wastebasket, box, or coffee can) somewhere in the class. You can take it down and move it around to help students who are further away and to avoid having students get out of their seats.

3. Have students crumple up their predictions and try to throw them into the ‘basket.’

4. Open and read the predictions that make it into the basket. Quickly discuss the prediction and agree if there is enough evidence to support it.

5. Have students randomly pick up the rest of the predictions that did not go into the basket, one prediction per student, and have each student read a prediction to a partner. Some students will not have one-they can just listen and ask for evidence or share a new prediction. Have the pairs discuss the quality of the predictions and the reasons each predictor had for his or her prediction. 

Awiers, Jeff. Building REading Comprehension Habits in Grades 6-12. Newark, DE: International Reading Association, 2010. Print.