Background knowledge is a significant driving factor behind successful reading comprehension. Without it, readers struggle to make connections and grasp what they are reading. Students will come with different types of background knowledge, some more than others. This will be dependent upon many factors, such as:
How language-rich the student’s home environment is (the books read to that student and discussions with caregivers)
The access students have had to places such as museums, libraries, and other hands-on learning destinations to develop new knowledge and make connections
Extracurricular and enrichment activities
Opportunities for travel
Exposure to other cultures
The above are variables that we cannot control, so we focus on what we CAN control to build a sturdy framework of background knowledge. Here are my favorite ways for helping students build background knowledge regardless of their socioeconomic background:
Read Alouds
Read Alouds using picture books with authentic visual information is a powerful way to pack knowledge and information about a new topic.
Field Trips
Whether virtual or in-person, field trips are fantastic ways to learn about and engage in new topics. Since the pandemic, there is more opportunity now than ever to explore places, history, topics with a click of a mouse, and interact with guides and experts in the field.
Guest Speakers
Guest speakers can range from a child’s family member in a specific field of interest or relevance to someone in the local community.
Show and Tell with Intention
This isn’t the type of show and tell done in the early grades. This type of show and tell is done with a specific intention using an explicit outline to follow. The student would prepare an “expert presentation” about the item’s relevance, and facilitate a Q&A to further engage peers in discussion.
Informational and Appropriate Media
Whether it be a musical performance, famous speech, photographs or other piece of art, or short video, we can use the good that media does have to offer to connect our students with critical background knowledge.
Sensory Experiences
Engage students’ senses to connect more deeply with topics. Studying coconuts? Bring one in to explore. Learning about medicinal plants? Bring in an aloe plant!
Background knowledge should always be presented with rich, academic vocabulary that students become fluent in, both receptively and expressively.
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