It's important for readers to build background before reading a book. By building background we think about what we already know about a subject, and then when we learn something new we can mentally put the new information along with the stuff we already knew. This helps students to organize all this information in the brain!
For example, if you are going to read Ox Cart Man by Donald Hall. Flip through the illustrations. Ask students if they have ever been to a farm or market? Have they ever grown vegetables or raised animals? How do the seasons affect what we eat and grow?
This strategy can be used at home. When you read stories with your children, ask them questions about the title, theme, and pictures of the story. Find out what they already know.
