Stop-the-story choices

Stop-the-story choices

Pause mid-story and ask: what do you think will happen next? Read on and find out whose guess was closest. Keeps minds engaged right through to the last page.

Reading Comprehension Ages 4-9 Low energy 0-10 mins

Goal

Practise predicting and thinking ahead while reading — building comprehension and keeping attention right where it should be: on the story.

You'll need

  • Reading Prompt Questions
  • Reading Prompt Cards

How to do it

Read together until you hit a turning point — a cliffhanger, a choice, a moment of tension. Stop. Ask: "What do you think happens next?" Let them share their idea, however far-fetched.

Use the prompt cards if you need a nudge: "Why did they do that?" or "What would you do in their position?" Then read on and find out.

When the real outcome arrives, compare it to their prediction. "You were almost right!" or "Nobody saw that coming!" are equally good reactions. The habit of thinking ahead while reading is one of the most useful comprehension skills there is — and this is how it gets built.

Grab our resources

Print our reading prompt questions and reading prompt cards to get started.