Constructing and Connecting Prior Knowledge
Constructing and Connecting Prior Knowledge. Jessie C. Roberts VESA Conference 2006. Agenda. Background Prior Knowledge Literature Review Where To Begin Activity Classroom Examples Collaboration and Questions. Background. 1 st and 2 nd graders 95% born in USA
Constructing and Connecting Prior Knowledge
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Presentation Transcript
Constructing and Connecting Prior Knowledge Jessie C. Roberts VESA Conference 2006
Agenda • Background • Prior Knowledge • Literature Review • Where To Begin • Activity • Classroom Examples • Collaboration and Questions
Background • 1st and 2nd graders • 95% born in USA • Majority Spanish-speakers • Pull-out and Inclusion Model • Began to see students’ strengths and weaknesses in prior knowledge • Determined to offer the experiences needed for in-depth understanding of content concepts
Prior Knowledge Remember: Prior knowledge can be incorrect! Kujawa, S. & Huske, L., 1995
Research & Literature Virginia Collier • Activation of prior knowledge is the first step in meaningful instruction • Classroom environment that values each student’s strengths and resources • Teacher and students together choose themes to be developed • Student problem-solving and discovery learning Luis Moll, et al. • Households may be viewed as “poor” both economically and in terms of experiences • Funds of knowledge are the historically accumulated and culturally developed bodies of knowledge • The children are not passive bystanders and are known as a “whole person” • Much of the learning is motivated by and obtained by the children Promoting Academic Success for ESL Students: Understanding Second Language Acquisition for School (1995) Funds of Knowledge for Teaching: Using a Qualitative Approach to Connect Homes and Classrooms (1992)
Assess prior knowledge: What do students know? How is this knowledge organized? How can this knowledge be retrieved effectively? Level of involvement and type of response in assessing prior knowledge can vary: Where to Begin p. 176:O’Malley, J. M. & Valdez Pierce, L. (1996)
Time to assess your prior knowledge!!
Classroom Examples • Science concept books • Social Studies concept books • Collages • Sticky note book walks • Photos and Clip Art
Videos Water Cycle Play By ESOL Grade 2 Plant Parts We Eat Unitedstreaming Monarch Butterflies Animal Planet Online
Native Americans Build villages and construct prior knowledge!
Continents Make connections around the world!
When You Know What They Know... • Make books to introduce new topics • Show websites with videos or photos • Offer books and magazines for student-directed exploration • Make short video or audio tapes of students • Create simulations, experiments, or activities that construct needed content concepts for later connections
What are your methods for constructing and connecting prior knowledge?
THANK YOU!! Contact Information: Jessie Roberts robertjc@pwcs.edu McAuliffe Elementary School Prince William County, VA http://www.pwcs.edu/Mcauliffe