Background+Knowledge

= = Back

Background knowledge is a product of the environment we live in. Every individual has background knowledge of some kind and it is always unique to that individual. These differences can lead to infinite perspectives and understandings of a text if the reader can make the appropriate connections. The following is a list of activities that will aid each student in connecting their own background knowledge to the text and thus increase their comprehension. = Fall =

1. Anticipation Guides*

 * Activates students prior knowledge and push them to make predictions about the text.

2. Background Knowledge Backpack*

 * Build the habit of accessing background knowledge to build comprehension.

3. CATAPULT Into Literature*

 * Students research and consider all aspects of a text and generate predictions prior to reading the text.

4. Closed Eyes Visualize*

 * Students practice connecting text to background knowledge by visualizing portions of the text.

= Winter =

1. Concept Poster Preview*

 * Teacher led preview of key concepts to be presented in the text.

2. Critique Chart*

 * Evaluating a text based on background knowledge.

3. Give One-Get One*

 * As a group students practice building background knowledge prior to reading a text.

4.K-W-L*

 * Aids students in taking ownership of their learning by asking them to summarize, question, predict, and infer.

= Spring =

1. Pro-Con Improv*

 * By discussing pros and cons of a topic students build background knowledge prior to engaging a text.

2. Quick-Writes*

 * Students begin to think about and organize their ideas prior to reading or discussing a topic.

3. Sticky Note Snapshots

 * Students visualize the text by creating images while reading.

4. Theives*

 * Builds foundation for students to approach text books.

Background Knowledge Assessment Checklist

 * Zwiers, Jeff. //Building Reading Comprehension Habits in Grades 6-12//. 2nd. Newark, DE: Intl Reading Assn, 2010. Print.