Which strategy is effective for building students' background knowledge before reading?

Pre-reading discussions are an effective strategy for building students' background knowledge before reading because they actively engage students in conversations about the topic at hand. This engagement allows students to connect prior knowledge to new information, which enhances understanding and retention. During these discussions, teachers can introduce key concepts, vocabulary, and themes that will be present in the reading material, creating a framework for students to place new information.

By facilitating a pre-reading discussion, educators can also identify any misconceptions and clarify them before students encounter potentially confusing content in the text. This approach encourages students to voice their thoughts and questions, fostering a sense of community and collaborative learning that enhances their overall comprehension once they begin reading.