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:
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?
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.”
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.”
I think Elmer will use the brush or the comb to help the lion brush his mane.
(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.
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.
Designate roles like predictor, evidence-finder, and illustrator. Assigning roles keeps everyone engaged and accountable.
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.
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.
Invite each group to share one interesting prediction or piece of evidence. Sharing highlights builds confidence and encourages whole-class learning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.