KWLA
(Know, Want to Know, Learned, Applied)

1. DRAW & LABEL COLUMNS:  Draw four columns on chart paper. Label the columns of the KWLA chart:  What I Know, What I Want/Need to Know, What I Learned, and How I Will Apply It.

2. DETERMINE TOPIC:  Identify a text selection or topic for pairs or small groups of students to consider during the activity.

3. DISTRIBUTE CHART & 1ST COLUMN:  Distribute the KWLA Chart to students. Ask them to brainstorm and enter information in the first column to indicate what they already know about the topic—an expedient way to discover students’ prior knowledge.

4. STUDENTS BRAINSTORM FOR 2ND COLUMN:  Ask students to brainstorm questions in the second column indicating what they want/need to know about the topic to better understand it— helping to establish purpose during the learning activity.

5. REVIST FOR LAST TWO COLUMNS:  After engaging with the text/topic, have students revisit the KWLA to identify what they’ve learned in the third column and how they will apply it in the last column.

• Start by modeling this strategy with just KWL, and then add the A (Apply) after students are familiar with the process. 

• Ask students to draw ideas and label them with letters, words, or phrases, building up to sentences in their writing. 

• Provide sentence stems for oral rehearsal and to frame writing responses.

• Model the sentences for the class and ask them to copy into their notes. 

• Have students complete portions of the KWLA Chart with partners before working as a large group. This creates more opportunity for rehearsal and oral language practice.

To increase rigor, use the KWLA Chart, which provides a method of note-taking for students to construct summary paragraphs about the topic or concept. Students elaborate on each section and add details to support their thinking and evidence from various sources.