Activity Overview
Making predictions about a story will engage readers. To make a prediction, students will need to consider the many elements that they have read already: setting, plot development so far, character actions, and character motivations/traits.
Before completing the story, predict how Scrooge's life will change (for the better or for worse) after his encounters with the three spirits of Christmases Past, Present, and Future. You may also make other predictions, for other characters; i.e. Will Marley’s ghost ever find peace? What will happen to Tiny Tim? Will Scrooge change his ways and find love?
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 based on your understanding of A Christmas Carol by creating visualizations. How will Scrooge's life change after meeting all three spirits?
- Use the template your teacher provided.
- Pick a character.
- Write your prediction in the description, based off of context and inferences.
- Illustrate a scene of your prediction in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/6/1] Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/6/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/8/1] Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/8/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text
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 To Encourage Creativity For Making Predictions
Foster a Healthy Environment
Establish a safe environment in the classroom where there is no fear of being incorrect. Reiterate that projections are only educated estimates and that there is benefit in considering alternative scenarios. Encourage all the students to participate and appreciate their responses.
Spark Interest
Introduce the story with an intriguing situation or query. To excite their interest, use open-ended questions like "What do you think might happen next?" Teachers can hold a competition such as the student who makes the most accurate guess will get a reward.
Brainstorm Ideas
Ask the students to brainstorm multiple ideas as to how the story can end. Students can be as creative as they want with the endings. Carrying out this activity in groups can help the students to build on each other’s ideas.
Encourage the Use of Textual Evidence
Ask the students to be as creative as they want but remind them to be on track and always provide textual evidence with their prediction. Make sure their predictions are not completely out of place as predictions are an educated guess and require prior knowledge of the context, characters, and settings.
Use Visualization
Encourage the students to paint, sketch, or produce visual representations of their predictions to incorporate art and visualization. Expression via the arts can inspire original discoveries. At the end of the discussion, teachers can hang these paintings/ sketches in the class.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Predictions in A Christmas Carol
How can I draw predictions from what I read?
Look for indications in the text—insights from characters' deeds, remarks, and the narrative's overarching plot. Make intelligent judgments about what could happen by taking into account the setting of the tale and your own expertise.
What evidence can I use to back up my predictions?
To support your assumptions, use textual evidence such as quotations, descriptions, or character motives. Consider cause-and-effect links and potential effects on the plot that character decisions may have.
What possible repercussions may Scrooge's resistance to change have?
Consider a situation in which Scrooge rejects the guidance provided by the spirits. Imagine the effects this decision could have on him and others around him.
How could Scrooge's conduct be affected by the disclosures made by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?
Determine how Scrooge could change his conduct in order to prevent the bleak future the ghost reveals to him. At this point Scrooge is still unaware of his future hence his conduct all depends on what the Ghost of Future will reveal to him.
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