Next-Step Predictor

This worksheet supports students in Grades 4 and 5 as they strengthen prediction and comprehension skills by analyzing short narrative snapshots that end at suspenseful moments. Learners use contextual clues, character behavior, logical reasoning, and background knowledge to infer what will likely happen next, practicing careful reading and evidence-based thinking without relying on explicitly stated answers.

Learning Goals

• Making Logical Predictions (Grades 4-5) – Students infer future events based on narrative clues and story structure.
• Reading for Clues & Evidence – Learners identify details that signal what may happen next.
• Narrative Sequence Understanding – Reinforces how stories build momentum and progress through cause and effect.
• Creative yet Grounded Thinking – Students construct realistic next steps supported by text-based reasoning.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper-elementary reading comprehension standards.
• High-Interest Story Snapshots – Varied, relatable scenarios maintain engagement and motivation.
• Evidence-Based Responses – Encourages students to justify predictions using clues from the text.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Ideal for guided reading, literacy centers, independent practice, or formative assessment.

This next-step predictor worksheet helps students become more confident and thoughtful readers by practicing how to anticipate story outcomes using evidence rather than guesses. By connecting details to likely events, learners strengthen comprehension, logical reasoning, and narrative understanding. Whether used in a classroom or homeschool setting, this printable resource offers meaningful, low-prep practice that builds strong prediction skills and deeper engagement with texts.

This worksheet is part of our Making Inferences Worksheets collection.