Concepts explicitly linked to students’ background experiences
Links explicitly made between past learning and new concepts
Key vocabulary emphasized (e.g., introduced, written, repeated, and highlighted for students to see)
Strategies for Integrating Prior Learning into the Classroom
Charts - Make a chart of key information that can be a referenced in the room during a particular period/topic of study.
KWL - Have students check off things in the “want” column when explored, and add to the “learn” column as they develop a topic. Consider a modified KWHL “Know, Wonder, How, Learned” chart
Student Journals - Students write down what they have learned.
Lesson Connections - Make explicit statements that connect what the students are going to study with what they have studied.
Student Journals - Have students write down what they have learned in a journal or notebook.
Anticipation Guides - Access prior knowledge. Provide explicit links to prior learning. Focus attention. Easily scaffolded for English learners.
Explore Concept - Prior to teaching the concept, provide opportunities for students to make their connections to prior learning through observations and brainstorms.
⬇️ EXAMPLES BELOW ⬇️
The most effective vocabulary development is closely related to the students’ area of study. Vocabulary should be tailored to the English and literacy skills of the students and should be presented in context, not in isolation.