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The Power of Background Knowledge

  • BrainPOP
  • Sep 30, 2024
  • 2 min read

BrainPOP character, Moby, an orange robot, sitting on a bean bag and reading a book while a thought bubble demonstrates Moby's processing power

Make Deeper Connections with Background Knowledge


Every day, students are juggling a medley of complex cognitive tasks. By having a wealth of knowledge to pull from, doing things like decoding texts across the curriculum, meaning making, connecting ideas together, and even participating more in class discussions becomes easier. That’s the power of background knowledge.


Taking the time to help students build knowledge and strengthen their cognitive skills gives them the tools to deepen their understanding, and ultimately excel in their learning journey.


Background Knowledge Resources



Student in thinking pose with hand resting on chin while Moby the orange robot is also thinking in the same pose

What exactly is background knowledge and how can you build more of it in your lessons regularly?




Teacher and students gather on a rug for reading time. Moby stands at the edge of the rug with a handful of books.

When it comes to student engagement, the impact educators make can change students' lives.




Moby holds a magnifying glass next to a symbol for the Scarborough Reading Rope


Learn how BrainPOP follows the Science of Reading to help learners build knowledge for strategic comprehension.




Student raises hand to answer the teacher's question while Moby reads a book

When it comes to long term goals like literacy, engagement, and assessment readiness, don't underestimate the power of background knowledge.




Student points to a light bulb above Moby's head

By prioritizing building background knowledge and active learning in classrooms, we can create more effective learning experiences for all students.





Student writing on paper, while surrounded by 9 icons representing essential literacy skills

Whether your students are inferring conclusions from a science experiment or analyzing a historical text, literacy skills are always present.





Background Knowledge Teaching Strategies You Can Start Today


Students’ minds may run a mile a minute but with BrainPOP’s “Noticing and Wondering” strategy, you’ll be sure to lock-in their attention and have all eyes focused on the content before you even press play. You’ll be amazed to see student learning confidence grow within one single lesson.



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