K-W-L Chart

About the Strategy

K-W-L is a strategy of reading expository text that helps children use what they know to generate interest in a selection.  K-W-L also helps children set purposes for reading by encouraging them to express their curiosity for the topic they will be reading about.  K-W-L encourages group members to share and discuss what they know, what they want to know, and what they learn about a topic.

Step 1

Help children brainstorm what they know or think they know about the topic

Step 2

List questions children hope to have answered as they read

Step 3

List what children learned after they've read the selection.

Topic:
What We Know What We Want to Know What We Learned
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

Skills and Strategies:  activate prior knowledge, generate questions, set purpose, summarize facts

Idea Exchange

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Keep in Mind

  • Work with children to generate a list of what they know and what questions they have about a topic.

  • As children develop control over reading strategies, they can complete the K-W-L Chart independently, with a partner, or with a group

All Together Now

Create ongoing classroom K-W-L Charts as you investigate topics in other curriculum areas, such as science or social studies.  Invite children to add questions and newly acquired information throughout the investigation.  You may consider binding the K-W-L Charts by subject for children to use as a reference.  (cross-curricular connection)

Instructional Notes 9 Re-created by permission from Scott, Foresman and Company

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