Background knowledge is critical to understanding new information. It helps us make connections, improves comprehension, and improves memory. Natalie Wexler refers to it as velcro, it gives new information something to stick to. When it comes to reading comprehension it is an absolute necessity. We can’t understand what we are reading if we don’t possess the background knowledge needed to comprehend.
The role of curiosity in building background knowledge
This is where I want to mention curiosity. I am talking about it here because think about how critical it is. Curiosity is that burning desire to find out the answers to questions. That desire to want to know more, figure something out. That desire and quest for understanding builds knowledge and a whole lot of vocabulary along the way.
So that leads me to this…
How do I help someone build background knowledge?
Reading to a young child regularly is crucial. Knowledge and vocabulary start developing as soon as someone starts learning. Reading aloud to early elementary students should have a purpose and be part of larger learning concepts. Avoid random read-alouds that are not connected to anything, instead strive to read multiple things that focus on a specific topic.
Don’t wait to tackle building knowledge until a student is proficient at decoding. Students in the early grades should be doing both, learning about how to decode words, and learning about topics during interactive read-alouds.
Once students have mastered decoding, encourage WIDE and DEEP reading. Students need to develop the habit of reading on their own. Also, encourage them to read from a diverse range of genres. Over time this will develop vocabulary, understanding of concepts, and basic factual knowledge.
Engage in other forms of learning such as documentaries, videos, and podcasts. Look for high-quality sources of information on various topics that engage the learner in thinking.
There is so much value in experiences. Doing things leads to learning. Experiences include field trips but don’t limit experiences to big events that happen a couple of times during the school year. Include experiments, projects, and learning new things in this category. Encourage students to be engaged and self-aware of the learning that is happening during the event.
Encourage discussions, discourse helps build understanding and creates opportunities to see things from other perspectives. This could be in the form of book clubs, study teams, project-based learning, as well as discussions during instruction.
Conclusion
Targeting curiosity as a critical vehicle for learning more and valuing it in your classroom will make these suggestions come to life. Ask students to document their learning in “Field”, “Reading” or “Learning” notebooks. Inside, students can keep notes on important noticings, reflections, and vocabulary as they engage in learning. There’s always something out there to learn about, so get out there and LEARN.
Interested in learning more about building background knowledge and comprehension? Check out our related blogs or contact us to learn from April at your school.
