lesson 2

Activating prior knowledge for non fiction

We are learning to use prior knowledge and information in a text to further our understanding of a topic.

I can:

• search for clues in the news story and use my prior knowledge to infer and make predictions about information

• identify key words and concepts

• create a chart to record prior knowledge

• record clues about content in my workbook

Activating prior knowledge while reading helps readers to build upon what they already know, creating a stronger foundation for understanding new information. This process enhances comprehension, retention, and critical thinking about the text. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Improved Comprehension:

By connecting new information to existing knowledge, we can make more meaningful connections and grasp the concepts more effectively. 

• Enhanced Retention:

When new information is linked to prior knowledge, it's more likely to be remembered and stored in long-term memory. 

• Critical Thinking:

Activating prior knowledge encourages students to reflect on their existing understanding, question assumptions, and make inferences, fostering critical thinking skills. 

• Increased Engagement:

When we realise the connection between our knowledge and the text, we are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn. 

Lesson 2

Activating prior knowledge for non fiction

We are learning to use prior knowledge and information in a text to further our understanding of a topic.

I can:

• search for clues in the news story and use my prior knowledge to infer and make predictions about information

• identify key words and concepts

• create a chart to record prior knowledge

• record clues about content in my workbook

Activating prior knowledge while reading helps readers to build upon what they already know, creating a stronger foundation for understanding new information. This process enhances comprehension, retention, and critical thinking about the text. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Improved Comprehension:

By connecting new information to existing knowledge, we can make more meaningful connections and grasp the concepts more effectively. 

• Enhanced Retention:

When new information is linked to prior knowledge, it's more likely to be remembered and stored in long-term memory. 

• Critical Thinking:

Activating prior knowledge encourages students to reflect on their existing understanding, question assumptions, and make inferences, fostering critical thinking skills. 

• Increased Engagement:

When we realise the connection between our knowledge and the text, we are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn. 

Activating prior knowledge can help students identify key vocabulary, anticipate the text's content, and use their existing knowledge to make predictions, thus improving their overall reading comprehension skills

STUDENT TASK

Watch the latest episode (episode 9) of Behind the news

 https://www.abc.net.au/btn

Skip to segment on Woolly Mamoth

Teacher to create anchor chart:

Title: WOOLLY MAMMOTH

place the following headings in a table

What we know                   What we want to know            What we learned

Students to activate prior knowledge before they watch clip and right on sticky notes what they already know about woolly mammoths and what they want to know.

Watch clip and add put final sticky notes up about what they learned.

Student task

Students to create their own KWL chart in work books.

Students choose a non fiction text

Fill out KWL chart

Read text and then fill out what they have learned

How did activating prior knowledge help engage you as a reader with the non fiction text?

Discuss the benefits of activating prior knowledge with class