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Reading PK-3

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Reading PK-3 > Strategies > Pre-reading Questioning

Pre-reading Questioning

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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

    Research

    Reading Comprehension

    Subtopic that includes research on how people develop reading comprehension skills on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Language and Literacy
    Background Knowledge
    Narrative Skills
    Verbal Reasoning
    Vocabulary
    Cognition
    Attention
    Inhibition
    Long-term Memory
    Short-term Memory
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Motivation
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Home Literacy Environment
    Physical Fitness
    Primary Language
    Safety
    Sleep
    Socioeconomic Status

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