How do students possibly feel when they do not have enough background knowledge to comprehend a text or math word problem? Read this story, A Mardsen Giberter for Farfie.
When we build background knowledge, an experience in reading could feel more like this: The Pali.
How do we build background knowledge?
Conduct a picture/text feature walk of the book and discuss what is seen in each picture.
Hands-on activities, field trips (reality or virtual)
Ask students, "Have you ever...?" instead of "You know when...?" Don't assume they know.
Fill in a Circle Map with all the information the students know about a certain vocabulary word. (whole group, small group, pairs, or individual)
Be mindful of what will be said and read in your lessons. Are there words that have multiple meanings in what you will say? For example, operation in math refers to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In ELA, however, operation may refer to fixing cousin Bob's arm.