Prior knowledge is used to make real-world connections to the
material that is unknown. All children learn at different rates.
They also come into the classroom with various experiences.
Prior knowledge can be used to frame the information to be
introduced. Framing is nothing more than a story. It makes it
easy for the child to make meaningful connections to material
without becoming overwhelmed. For instance, if you were
introducing the term landmark to students, you might relate the
term to places or buildings in the neighborhood. A student
living in Memphis would likely be familiar with Graceland or the
Lorraine Motel. Making connections to landmarks that are a part
of the community would make a relevant connection. Once framing
has been introduced, questions can be used to introduce a
discussion. This is an easy way to pre-assess knowledge. The
lesson can then be adjusted according to the readiness of the
child. Key vocabulary words can be introduced from the new
material to be learned. Comprehension can