What happens next?: what children learn
Anticipating what happens next shows that children understand a story and can use what they know to predict.
Each card shows a moment from a traditional tale. Children match it with what happens next.
This topic links to an early learning goal in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework for England (Comprehension). Children at the expected level of development will: “Anticipate – where appropriate – key events in stories”. Reception children are usually aged 4–5.
There is no direct equivalent in the US Common Core State Standards.
How to play
Pick a card on the left, then the card on the right that matches it. Each game has 4 pairs. Wrong matches are counted as mistakes, and you get three stars for a game with no mistakes.
Step by step
- Play together. Sit with your child and read the words on screen aloud. Let them do the tapping and dragging.
- Think about the story. Ask "What do you remember about this story?"
- Predict. Ask "What happens next?" before looking.
- Check together. Match the card and talk about why.
Worked examples
Example 1: The wolf huffs and puffs at the straw house.
Working: In The Three Little Pigs, straw is not strong.
Answer: The straw house falls down.
Example 2: Jack plants the magic beans.
Working: Magic beans grow very fast.
Answer: A huge beanstalk grows.
Example 3: The clock strikes midnight at the ball.
Working: Cinderella must leave before the magic ends.
Answer: Cinderella runs away and loses a slipper.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Not knowing the story Read or tell the story first.
- Choosing an answer from another story Ask which story the card is from.
- Guessing quickly Talk through what is happening first.
Activities to try at home
- Pause during a bedtime story and ask what will happen next.
- Watch for clues in pictures and talk about them.
- Make up a new ending together.
Ideas for the classroom
- Use a story stop: pause a read-aloud and take predictions.
- Play the game on the board with the class voting.
- Ask children to draw what they think happens next.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a colour-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
Is there one right answer?
In the game, yes: the next event in the traditional tale. In real stories, any sensible prediction is great.
Why traditional tales?
Many children know them, so they can focus on predicting.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Tab to a card, press Enter to pick it, then pick its partner.