Building Background Knowledge

Objectives:

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Explain how background knowledge supports comprehension and learning

• Recognize and value the diverse cultural, linguistic, and experiential backgrounds that influence students’ understanding

• Apply practical, evidence-based strategies to intentionally build and activate students’ background knowledge

Please read the following news articles:

• Alana King stars as Australia demolish South Africa at World Cup

• American Melissa Jefferson-Wooden wins world title in women’s 100m and sets championship record

What is Reading?

Reading is making meaning from print.

(Reading Rockets, n.d.)

What is Reading?

Reading requires that we do the following:

• Identify the words in print: a process called word recognition

• Construct an understanding from them: a process called comprehension

• Coordinate identifying words and making meaning so that reading is automatic and accurate: an achievement called fluency
  

(Reading Rockets, n.d.)

The Simple View of Reading (SVR)

(Image Source: LD@school)

The Simple View of Reading (SVR)

(Reading Rockets, n.d.)

Scarborough's
Reading Rope

(Image Source: LD@school)

Scarborough's Reading Rope

• Dr. Hollis Scarborough's Reading Rope provides an illustration of the multiple strands of proficient reading.

• The rope model unravels the critical skills of word recognition and language comprehension.

(AIM Institute for Learning and Research, n.d.)

Scarborough's Reading Rope

• The metaphor of a woven rope illustrates the inter-connectedness of each "strand" — as well as the complexity of helping students become skilled readers.

(Reading Rockets, n.d.)

Scarborough's Reading Rope

Scarborough's Reading Rope

The resources below offer practical approaches to enhancing students' background knowledge:

• Building Background Knowledge | Reading Rockets

• The Importance of Background Knowledge in Understanding Text | TeachHUB

• 5 Steps to Leveraging Background Knowledge in Lessons | Edutopia

Collaborative Planning

1. In grade-level or mixed groups, select a short reading text from your subject area.

2. Plan two activities that build or activate background knowledge related to the text.

3. Share your planned activities on the Google Doc