Pre-reading Questioning

Overview

Talking with students about what they know about the topic of upcoming work helps activate their Background Knowledge or reveals gaps. When students ask and answer pre-reading questions, they draw connections to what they already know and understand the purpose for reading a text, ultimately leading to increased comprehension.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch how this classroom teacher reviews parts of the book and introduces Vocabulary through pre-reading questioning. By starting the lesson with these pre-reading questions, learners are better oriented and equipped to comprehend the book.

Spending even a short time on pre-reading activities that involve students in the themes, concepts, and Vocabulary of a text can stimulate their curiosity and relevant Background Knowledge. These activities draw students into the reading process and prepare them to engage with a text. Furthermore, this introduction can provide valuable support and guidance for students on where to focus their Attention when reading.

Design It into Your Product

Incorporating pre-reading questions or activities promotes increased readiness to engage with a text by activating learners' Background Knowledge. Developers can use multimedia activities to support learners' exploration of new Vocabulary and allow them to make predictions about the text.

View References

Resources

Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.

Examples

Pre-reading Activities

The importance of pre-reading and example activities

Examples

Pre-reading and the Common Core

The purpose and appropriate use of pre-reading strategies

Professional Development

Delivering Questions Effectively

Module by Sanford Inspire

Research

Facilitating Text-based Discussions

The importance of facilitating text-based discussions from Digital Promise's Ask a Researcher