[MOSAIC] background knowledge

[Zey, Melissa]

Thank for the input.  I do model this but I think I need to strengthen my language when modeling my thinking aloud and go back to where we started more often.  I just feel like I'm having a hard time pulling information from my kids this year!

________________________________

From: mosaic-bounces at literacyworkshop.org on behalf of CNJPALMER at aol.com
Sent: Thu 3/27/2008 7:04 PM
To: mosaic at literacyworkshop.org
Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] background knowledge




Melissa
One simple way:
Before beginning to read, ask the kids to predict what the author is trying 
to tell you with the article or book you are about to read. Then use the text 
and think aloud, modeling your connections as you go.Keep bringing 
discussion back to what you know now after making the connection ("Wow...I can  really
understand why the character did or said that because I know from my own 
experiences that....etc etc) After reading, go back to your prediction and 
discuss with the kiddos what they understand now that they didn't understand 
before...talk about how the connections helped you understand the author's big 
ideas or themes.
Jennifer
In a message dated 3/27/2008 5:15:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
mzey at farmington.k12.mn.us writes:

Someone  noted on the "To Understand" site that a co-worker said her students
didn't  have enough background knowledge.  The true problem was that the kids
 didn't see the relevance to background knowledge.  I agree that it is  very
difficult to get students to understand the importance of background 
knowledge.  How do we help children understand what background knowledge  is and why
it is so important on a deeper level? 

Melissa 







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