Anchor the three variable jobs to a fixed colour code that students see all term, so the idea is carried by colour and position rather than words alone.
Colour-code the three jobs
Introduce a consistent palette and use it every time variables come up this term: CHANGE = amber, MEASURE = green, KEEP THE SAME = blue. Build a wall anchor chart in these colours and have students highlight their planning template in the matching colours.
Diagram the prediction
Show predictions as a two-box diagram — a What box joined by an arrow labelled "because" to a Why box. Students who struggle with sentence-writing can fill the two boxes first, then read them as a sentence.