Why What Happens Next? works

Think of What Happens Next? as one small problem with several decisions and a clear starting point: recall the important clues from the setup. Predict what happens next in a story by using clues already present instead of inventing an unrelated surprise. What happens there should matter when the child later needs to suggest one plausible next event.

Set up — Recall the important clues from the setup

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to recall the important clues from the setup. Use the result of having the child recall the important clues from the setup as the setup for the move into suggest one plausible next event. Keep topics comfortable and family-safe; nobody has to reveal private information while that starting condition is being established.

Step 2 — Suggest one plausible next event

Keep the pace slow while the child tries to suggest one plausible next event. If the effect is hard to see, simplify that action before continuing with the instruction to explain which clue supports that prediction.

Step 3 — Explain which clue supports that prediction

Treat the attempt to explain which clue supports that prediction as a checkpoint between the earlier step to suggest one plausible next event and the coming step to suggest a second possible next event. A perfect answer is not required.

Step 4 — Suggest a second possible next event

After completing the instruction to suggest a second possible next event, pause and ask what changed from the earlier step where they had to explain which clue supports that prediction. Use that answer to decide whether they are ready to compare which prediction fits the setup better.

Step 5 — Compare which prediction fits the setup better

Keep the adult prompt brief while the child tries to compare which prediction fits the setup better. If needed, return to the earlier step to suggest a second possible next event before asking them to compare which prediction fits the setup better.

What to notice before Compare which prediction fits the setup better

Keep adult commentary light while the child works toward suggest a second possible next event. Their own response should show whether the words add useful information or keep the story and conversation coherent before the activity finishes with the request to compare which prediction fits the setup better.

Make Explain which clue supports that prediction easier or harder

For younger or less confident players, use one familiar topic and shorter turns before the step to explain which clue supports that prediction. If the child asks for more, change the audience, viewpoint, or language constraint and then return to the final request to compare which prediction fits the setup better.

Finish after Compare which prediction fits the setup better

Finish after the child manages to compare which prediction fits the setup better and can connect that result with the earlier request to suggest one plausible next event. After that final step, browse the activity search or create a related variation with the activity generator.