Thinking Before Starting
Before a new topic, pause to recall something related. Say when you are unsure about what you remember.
What a learner can do afterwards
- Recall something relevant before starting a new topic
- Identify an uncertain remembered idea and check or revise it while learning
1 · Read
Before a new topic, pause. Ask, 'What do I already know about this?' Recall something related. If you are unsure, say, 'I think this, but I need to check.'
Mia will learn about gardens. She remembers watering a plant. That memory relates to gardens. Remembering her favorite song does not relate to this topic.
A related idea can help you understand and remember new ideas. It does not promise perfect answers. You can pause before reading, math, art or another topic.
As you learn, check your remembered ideas and change any that do not fit the facts. If nothing comes to mind, look at the title or a picture. Ask a question and start learning.
Recall something related. Check uncertain ideas. You can learn even when nothing comes to mind.
These five readings were written for this dataset.
More to read
Remember a place
Your class will read about libraries. Before reading, remember a library you have visited or seen.
Tell someone one thing you remember. If you have not seen a library, look at the book's picture and ask what happens there.
Either way, you can begin the reading.
Which memory fits?
A lesson is about making soup. You remember stirring food in a pot. You also remember flying a kite.
The stirring memory relates to making soup. Bring that one to mind before the lesson.
Both memories can be real. Choose the one that fits this topic.
A memory to check
You remember a fact about an animal, but the details are unclear.
Say, 'I think I remember this. Can we check it?' Listen for the answer as you learn.
If the facts differ from your memory, change your idea. You do not need to defend a guess.
Tell a partner first
Before an art lesson about weaving, think of woven things you have seen. You might remember a basket or a mat.
Tell a partner what you noticed about it. Then listen to the lesson.
You can keep your memory in mind while learning something new about the same topic.
When the topic is unfamiliar
The teacher names a topic you have never heard of. You cannot recall a related idea yet.
Ask what the topic means. Look at a picture if one is available. Choose a question you would like answered.
You can start with a question instead of a fact.
2 · Watch
Take it off screen
Where it sits
Where this leads
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.