Part 1: Preview the Novel

Learning goal: I can use details from a novel preview to understand the setting, learn new vocabulary, and make a prediction supported by evidence.

Success criteria:

☐ I can identify the setting and explain how I know.

☐ I can explain three new words in my own words.

☐ I can make a prediction about the novel.

☐ I can support my prediction with evidence from the cover, description, map, image, or preview.

Section A: Notice and Wonder

Study the cover, title, author information, back-cover description, map, or historical image. Record details you notice and questions you wonder.

Detail 1:

Detail 2:

Detail 3:

Section B: Setting Detectives

Use evidence from the preview. A setting can include place, time period, culture, community, and historical circumstances.

Place: ________________________________   Time period: ________________________________

Culture or community: ________________________________________________________________

Sentence frame: The setting may be __________________ because ______________________________.

Clue 1:

Clue 2:

Part 2: Words, Predictions, and Discussion

Section C: Vocabulary Detectives

Choose three words from the preview or opening chapter. Use context clues, word parts, illustrations, a dictionary, or a bilingual glossary. Write meanings in your own words.

Word bank or language support: Write helpful words, translations, or sketches here.

Bilingual glossary reminder: You may check a bilingual dictionary or glossary, but explain the meaning in your own words.

Word 1: ____________________

Context clue: ________________________________________________________________

Student-friendly meaning: ____________________________________________________

Example or drawing:

Word 2: ____________________

Context clue: ________________________________________________________________

Student-friendly meaning: ____________________________________________________

Example or drawing:

Word 3: ____________________

Context clue: ________________________________________________________________

Student-friendly meaning: ____________________________________________________

Example or drawing:

Section D: Evidence-Based Prediction

Sentence frame: I predict that ________________________________________________.

Strongest evidence: __________________________________________________________

Second clue: _________________________________________________________________

I think this clue matters because ______________________________________________________.

Section E: Partner Discussion Checklist

Take turns. Listen carefully and respond respectfully.

Section F: Comprehension Journal Transfer

Copy or summarize these ideas in your comprehension journal.

One setting idea: ______________________________________________________________

Three vocabulary meanings: ___________________________________________________

My revised prediction:

One question I hope the novel will answer:

Exit Ticket

Check the statements you can honestly support today.

Support and Challenge

Helpful sentence frames: “The setting may be __________ because __________.” “The word __________ probably means __________ because __________.” “I predict __________, supported by __________.”

Optional: Draw and label a setting, object, or scene from the preview.

Challenge extension: Write two possible predictions. Explain which prediction is stronger and why.

Teacher Answer and Feedback Guide

Acceptable responses: Responses will vary because the novel is teacher-selected. Reward answers that are text-dependent and use specific details from the cover, title, description, map, historical image, author information, or preview. A prediction does not need to be correct; it should be reasonable and supported by evidence.

Setting: Accept a likely place, time period, culture, or community when the student explains the clue that supports the idea.

Vocabulary: Accept clear, student-friendly meanings that fit the context. Students may use a bilingual glossary or reference tool, but should show understanding in their own words. Examples, labeled drawings, and translations may support meaning.

Prediction: Look for a complete prediction, at least one specific clue, and reasoning that explains why the clue matters. Revised predictions should reflect partner discussion when appropriate.

Discussion: Look for turn-taking, attentive listening, relevant questions, respectful disagreement, and evidence-based comments.

Common supports: Provide a read-aloud, audio version, picture clues, a map, highlighted cover details, a bilingual glossary, word banks, and sentence frames. Allow oral responses, labeled drawings, or dictation when needed. Pair students strategically without having one student complete the work for another.

Extension: Ask advanced learners to explain how historical or cultural details may influence a character’s choices, or to compare two predictions and defend which is stronger.

Simple 4-Point Checklist/Rubric

4 — Strong: Identifies setting, explains three vocabulary meanings, and makes a thoughtful prediction supported by specific evidence and reasoning.

3 — Secure: Completes most parts accurately; prediction and setting include relevant evidence.

2 — Developing: Shows partial understanding; needs more specific evidence, clearer vocabulary meanings, or fuller explanations.

1 — Beginning: Gives limited or unrelated responses; needs guided support to identify clues, explain words, and form a prediction.

Teacher feedback: ________________________________________________________________