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Hi ,
Today we're talking background knowledge: what it is, its role in reading comprehension, and ways that we can build it up. Background knowledge is an important (but often neglected) component of being able to understand what we read. All readers bring with them a certain degree of background knowledge about a topic. But there is a threshold of knowledge that they need in order to be able to make meaning of the text. Here are some ways in which background knowledge helps with reading comprehension:
Background knowledge guides us as we read. It provides a framework so that we understand the context and can figure out important details like which of a word's multiple meanings makes sense (is "prune" referring to a fruit or trimming bushes?).
Background knowledge allows us to make inferences based on information that isn't directly spelled out in the text. If a text mentions that a kid took his cleats off, someone with background knowledge of soccer would know he had just been playing. A student unfamiliar with soccer wouldn't be able to infer that.
Background knowledge gives us a foundation to build on and add new information to. If a student has been to a museum exhibit about Ancient Egypt, the facts they learn about hieroglyphics in school can be added to that prior knowledge. They're able to construct a more meaningful and detailed picture in their mind of what Ancient Egypt was like.
How can we build up our students' background knowledge?
Encourage sequential, content-rich reading on a wide range of topics. Have students focus on one topic at a time (like oceans) until they become an expert, rather than jumping from one subject to a completely different subject the next day. Consider using text sets to provide a variety of genres and media around a particular topic.
Teach vocabulary in categories related to concepts. For example, if you are teaching about volcanoes with words like "lava" and "eruption," think about what other geology terms it would be helpful for your students to know, like "tectonic plates" and "crust." Consider examples from history that would be helpful to learn about, like Pompeii.
Incorporate field trips into the curriculum. Not all your students will have had the same experiences outside of school, so field trips can help to level the playing field. Trips to museums and other sites can expose kids to new information, activate prior knowledge, and improve engagement. If field trips are not possible, you could bring experts into the classroom for demonstrations, or look at your favorite museum or historical site's website to see if they offer virtual field trips.
These are just a few of the ways that you can help your students build their background knowledge of key topics. Are there any strategies that have worked in your classroom that you'd like to share? Let us know!
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