---
title: "Thinking Before Starting"
description: "Before a new topic, pause to recall something related. Say when you are unsure about what you remember."
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/thinking-before-starting-mt_LE7nFEwS12
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/thinking-before-starting-mt_LE7nFEwS12.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Thinking Before Starting

Before a new topic, pause to recall something related. Say when you are unsure about what you remember.

Subject: Learning to Learn · Area: Learning to Learn · Ages 6 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/thinking-before-starting-mt_LE7nFEwS12

## Ready when they can

- Recall something relevant before starting a new topic
- Identify an uncertain remembered idea and check or revise it while learning

## Lesson: Think about what you know first

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.'

*(drawing: Recall means bringing something you know back to mind.)*

**Example.** 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.

**Recap.** Recall something related. Check uncertain ideas. You can learn even when nothing comes to mind.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Persisting When It's Hard](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/persisting-when-its-hard-mt_S4G6GLKr1-)

## Opens up

- [Connecting New & Old Ideas](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/connecting-new-and-old-ideas-mt_32B7xjUPwF)
- [Connecting reading to experience](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/connecting-reading-to-experience-mt_5n-O41lUgn)
- [Teaching It Back](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/teaching-it-back-mt_6eTZUwKQZr)
- [Evidence from the past](https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/evidence-from-the-past-mt_9REmUc8r4D)