How Can I Tap Prior Knowledge?
Use
Graphic Organizers
to visualize the structure of the text.
Share your own experiences and knowledge about the text.
Show pictures or bring in artifacts. A picture (or the real thing) really is worth a thousand words.
The Internet is a valuable source for building background knowledge.
Use the Scott
Foresman
background tapes.
Discussion.
Brainstorm together and complete a
concept web
or
KWL
.
Read a short selection of related text (poem, picture book,).
Have students share with each other what they think they know about the topic. This can be done through discussion, drawing pictures, or a free write.
Invite guests from the community to share firsthand knowledge.