State of New Jersey Department of Education

Reading First New Jersey - Professional Development
Video-based Reading Strategies and Techniques: Motivation and Background Knowledge

Guidance - Activating Prior Knowledge

Overview

Through questioning and observation, the teacher engages the class in an activity to ascertain what they already know about puppets.

The teacher not only wants to activate the students' prior knowledge, but she also wants to create an environment where students feel successful and comfortable in taking risks.

Classroom Activity: Observations

Notice the student interaction during the activity. The activity not only activates prior knowledge, but it also motivates the class to want to learn more about the subject.