KWL Chart

When I was a teacher, I used KWL charts for non-fiction reading all the time.  Like ALL the time.  It's a really good way to help kids stay focused on what they are reading, and why they are reading. 

Each letter K, W and L stand for a process of reading.  The K is for 'what you Know' about a subject.  Little Man is really into dinosaurs right now. So we checked out a kid friendly non-fiction book on dinosaurs from the library.  Before we read, he told me what he knew about dinosaurs.  (Important Tip:  This is not what YOU know about dinosaurs.  It's about what your kid knows.  You have to stay quiet. Unless your child is in silent mode.  You can prompt them a little.  For example, Little Man was struggling so I said, "What does a dinosaur look like?"  Then he started telling me.)

Then you move on to the 'W'.  The 'W' stands for 'What you Want to know'.  This helps get kids interested in the book.  As they (or you) are reading, this helps their little minds focus on the information.  Now, you really won't put "What's for lunch?" on your chart, but Little Man did ask it while we were working and I thought it was funny.

Then you read the book.  Offering lots of opportunities for Think Time and metacognition.  Didn't think you'd hear those words again, did you?

After reading, you'll fill out the 'L' part of the chart.  Obviously, I snapped the pic before we read the book so there's nothing in that column.  The 'L' stands for 'What you Learned".  This is an opportunity to discuss what you learned from the book.  Highlighting and bringing attention to any questions you had answered while reading.  For example, Little Man Wanted to know if dinosaurs ate each other.  His question was answered in the book, so we wrote it down under the 'L' column.

This is definitely more beneficial for kids who are beginning or independent readers/writers, but KWL charts do teach the pre-emergent readers too.  It shows them that writing has different purposes.  Sometimes you write stories and other times we write facts. 

On a little side note, I'm sure you noticed our KWL chart was outside.  Don't be afraid to teach your child wherever you are at the moment.  Learning does not have to be at a table with chairs, pencils, and papers.   

Happy Learning!