Rosalie by Joan Hewett- Building and Activating Background Knowledge

Rosalie by Joan Hewett- Building and Activating Background Knowledge

The knowledge, experiences, and interests that children possess are all part of their background knowledge. Children bring many experiences and interests with them when they open a new book. During reading we activate, awaken, and build upon our background knowledge. Background knowledge increases a child’s ability to learn new information because they can use what they already know to help understand what they are learning. Background knowledge enriches everything children read. Background knowledge helps new information stick. It helps children make sense of what they learn.

Have children make connections to the story as they read. This will help them be aware of their background knowledge and learn to build upon it. For example, see if anything in the story reminds the child of his or her own life.

Use the K-W-L Chart to build background knowledge about getting older.

What I Know about getting older? / What I Want to Know about getting older? / What I Learned about getting older?

Ask Questions Before Reading:

How many students have a pet they take care of?

Does anyone have the experience of having a dog?

What is it like to care for a dog or an animal?

What happens when the animal gets older?

What happens to humans when the get older? (Fill in Chart)

Briefly give students the opportunity to discuss. (other children will have an opportunity to build their background.)

Questions about Want to Know part of chart: (Fill in Chart)

What would you like to know about getting older?

What else might you want to know about this book?

Do a picture walk. Add to Want to Know part of chart

During Reading: Read the story and pause do discuss and explain what is happening.

Questions after Reading:

After reading the book, did we answer any of the questions you might have had?

Have you know anyone or any animal that has aged? How do they act differently?

How do humans act differently?

How would you describe Rosalie?

Fill in the learned part of the chart. (Fill in Chart)

Conclusion: Tell readers to pay attention to what they already know and how it helps them to understand the story.