Teach children to connect a possible explanation or prediction to something they can see in the picture.
Separate seeing from thinking
Begin with Puddle Patrol. “The ground is wet” describes something visible. “It may have rained” suggests an explanation. Say both aloud and ask children which statement tells us what we can see.
Ask for the clue
When a child shares an idea, ask, “What in the picture helps you think that?” Wet ground, puddles, clouds and an open umbrella can support the rain idea. Model: “It may have rained because I can see puddles and wet ground.”
Consider another possibility
Pictures can leave parts of a story uncertain. In The Book Bag Mystery, books may have slipped from the open bag, or someone may have put them on the floor. Ask children to identify a clue for each explanation and discuss how well it fits.
Use careful words
Some questions ask for a possible explanation; others ask what may happen next. Both need a visible clue. Practise “may,” “might” and “could” when suggesting an idea. For Kindergarten, an adult can offer a sentence starter and record an oral answer. For older learners, ask what extra information would help them choose between two ideas. Accept different answers when children can explain a sensible connection to a visible clue.