SOCIAL STUDIES
STRATEGIES
Predict and Clarify
Purpose
To predict the meaning of words after previewing the text; to refine and clarify
the words’ meaning before, during, and after reading.
Materials
Text, four to five pre-selected words, chart paper, markers
When to Use
To introduce and extend students’ knowledge of unfamiliar words and concepts.
As students read, reread, discuss, and write, they extend their understandings of
familiar new words throughout the three-part framework
Guidelines
First Day:
 Print these headings on chart paper in three columns: WORDS, PREDICTIONS,
and WHAT I LEARNED.
 Under WORDS, list three to five words students need to know to understand
the concepts in a chapter or section of a textbook or trade book. Leave several
lines between words.
 Preview the selection by reading the boldface headings, words, and captions
that accompany pictures, charts, diagrams, and graphs.
 Have students predict the meaning of each word. If the preview does not help,
then have students guess. The point of this strategy is to move students, over
time, from a prediction to a refined explanation.
 Locate the first word in the text, and read aloud the sentence that contains the
word.
 Think out loud, explaining what the sentence tells you about the word’s
meaning and the clues you used.
 Record your ideas under WHAT I LEARNED.
 Read aloud the entire section containing the word. Think out loud, sharing
with students any extra information you discovered. Write these ideas under
the WHAT I LEARNED column.
 After students ask questions about the strategy lesson, have them predict and
start refining the meaning of the remaining words using
the process you modeled.
Second Day:
 Have students read the chapter or section and discuss.
 Ask students to add details under WHAT I LEARNED column.
 At the close of the study ask students to refine their definitions using the
knowledge gained during their study. Then, be sure to invite students to use
some of the words in discussions and in their writing.
Guidelines for Having Students Use the Predict-and-Clarify Strategy
Independently
Organize students into pairs or groups of three to four. Give each student a copy
of the Predict and Clarify Sheet. Have students record 3 to 5 pre-selected words
on the sheet and instruct them to do the following:

Skim the pages and read boldface headings, words, captions and words for
every visual.
Learning benefit: As students skim, they become familiar with the content of
the chapter or section.

Discuss the preview with your partner or group and predict the meaning of
each word.
Learning benefit: Sharing enables students to learn from one another and
expand their knowledge of the word and the chapter’s content.

Locate a boldface word and read the sentence that contains it.
Learning benefit: Students meet the word in context and start figuring out its
meaning using available clues.

Read the sentence that contains the word as well as sentences that come
before and after the word.
Learning benefit: Students enlarge their understanding of the word prior to
reading the entire text.

Discuss what you’ve learned with your partner or group. Add details under
WHAT I LEARNED.
Learning benefit: Students share ideas and expand their understandings. Talk
and writing improve recall.

Read the entire section and discuss it. Add details
under WHAT I LEARNED and, if necessary, adjust early
ideas.
Learning benefit: Students can connect the word to the entire selection. They
reread their notes, add details, and fine-tune their explanations.

Have students write sentences when they’ve completed the study. Sentences
should reflect an understanding of the word’s meaning.
Learning benefit: Students have an opportunity to translate what they have
learned into an original piece of work. Once students can use the word
correctly, they have begun to own the word.
Predict and Clarify
Words
Predictions
What I Learned
Use each word in a sentence to show you understand its meaning.