Whether doing a read-aloud at school or when I see my grandchildren, I always try to weave in “strategy talk” when I read. First, I ask a question in general terms, “Wha
t do you think will happen next? or “Why in heaven’s name do you think he did that?” I solicit various responses and sometimes ask for text evidence, “What did we read in the book that makes you think that?” Then, I name what they are doing, “Great prediction. I see why you may think that may happen.” or “Wow, what an interesting inference. That could very well be why he did that.” Sometimes I even further disguise what I’m doing by wondering out loud, ” I don’t get it, why would he do that?” and wait and see if my listeners have any idea. When I read aloud to my grandchildren, or any younger readers, I try to build them up as well, “You just did what good readers do. You made a reasonable prediction about what might happen. Now I can’t wait to see what will happen.”