TRULY! Finding what kids already know on a topic is one of my FAVORITE things! Strategies for assessing background knowledge are key to helping struggling learners build on what they already understand, making the path to new skills smoother and more manageable. And I promise you…they will almost always surprise you with what they already know.
Remember the B.U.I.L.D. framework for teaching? If not, no worries! You can get caught up here. This is the first step or Background. in the framework.
This step is so often overlooked, BUT IS essential for successful learning, especially for children who face unique learning challenges. Whether you’re homeschooling, supporting your child’s education at home, or simply curious about how to make learning more effective, assessing prior knowledge is a vital first step. It gives you the clarity needed to help your child move forward with confidence.
Why Assessing Background Knowledge Is Essential
Imagine starting a project without checking what tools you have in your toolkit. Teaching without first understanding what your child already knows is just like that. You might be working harder than you need to, or worse, you might be missing the mark altogether. For children, especially struggling learners, this can lead to frustration, confusion, or unwanted behaviors.
By assessing what your learner already knows, you also will know that you’re building on a solid foundation. This is particularly important for spirited learners, whose prior understanding may have gaps. It’s super important to identify these areas first. Not assessing background knowledge could easily turn into roadblocks. Taking the time to figure out what your child knows allows you to fill in those gaps and make learning more targeted and effective.
Building on Strengths and Addressing Gaps
Every child has their own unique set of skills and knowledge. Some areas may be strong, and others might need more support. Recognizing these strengths is just as important as identifying the gaps. When you know what your child already knows, you can help them set realistic goals and work toward success.
For example, Jack wanted to learn how to ride a bike but felt nervous about keeping his balance. His dad reminded him that he had mastered roller skating, which requires balance and coordination. By connecting this familiar skill to a new challenge, Jack was able to build on his confidence. In just a week, he was happily riding his bike around the neighborhood.
This is why assessing background knowledge is so vital. It allows you to connect new learning to things your child already knows, making the process smoother and less intimidating.
Clearing Up Misunderstandings
Children sometimes carry misconceptions about the world or what they’ve learned. This can affect their ability to learn new information. For struggling learners, these misunderstandings can make learning even more difficult. By identifying any confusion early on, you can correct these misconceptions before they become ingrained and correcting them is even more difficult.
Take the example of a student I worked with a few years ago. He had learned how to subtract, but was consistently getting the wrong answers. The issue wasn’t that he didn’t understand subtraction—it was that he was skipping a crucial step. Unfortunately, no one had assessed his prior knowledge early enough to catch the problem. By the time we corrected it, he was 17. He had to unlearn this misconception of the subtraction process that he had carried on for years. Had we caught it sooner, his progress would have been much faster and easier. After, a lot of frustration and anger, he eventually learned how to subtract correctly,
This is why it’s so important to check for gaps in basic knowledge. Addressing them early on and even immediately can prevent frustration. Other benefits? Your child will move forward with a clearer understanding of new concepts.
Tailoring Learning to Your Child’s Needs
Not every child needs to start from scratch, and not every lesson needs to cover the basics. Assessing background knowledge allows you to tailor your teaching approach to your child’s specific needs. If they’ve already mastered a skill, there’s no need to spend time reteaching it. Instead, you can focus on areas where they need the most help.
Customizing the learning experience helps prevent boredom and again…frustration. Your child will feel more engaged if they’re learning something new, rather than rehashing material they’ve already mastered. And we want kids to develop a love for learning. Also, for you, it means teaching becomes more efficient, you’re not wasting precious time on concepts your child already knows.
Tools for Assessing Background Knowledge
Okay okay…we know the importance of assessing your child’s knowledge. BUT…how do you actually do it? There are several effective strategies that can help you get a clear picture of what your child already knows:
Mind Maps:
A visual tool that helps your child “map out” what they know. It’s a great way to connect ideas and see how different pieces of knowledge fit together. Examples of mind maps include concept maps, spider graphs, venn diagrams, graphic organizers, flowcharts, etc.
KWL Charts:
KWL stands for “What I Know, Want to Know, and Learned.” This chart serves as a learning log, giving your child (and you!) a clear visual of how much they’re growing. It’s particularly rewarding to see the “Learned” section fill up as your child makes progress.
Pre-Assessment Quizzes:
These are just simple tests you can give your child before starting a new topic. They offer a quick snapshot of what your child knows and help you plan your next steps. Just remember, if your child doesn’t do well, focus on celebrating the things they do know. This can keep their confidence up while you work together on the areas that need more attention.
Conversations:
Sometimes, the best way to check what your child knows is to simply ask. A relaxed conversation can reveal a lot about their understanding without the pressure of a formal test. This strategy is especially helpful for understanding more complex or abstract knowledge.
Demonstrations:
This method lets you observe your child as they carry out a task. They will be able to show you firsthand what they know. Along with how they apply that knowledge. These are especially helpful for children who struggle with traditional assessments. This is a more hands-on and relaxed way for them to show off their skills.
Draw it Out
If your child is artistic and loves to create things, allow them to use those strengths to create something that shows you what they know. Capitalizing on this strength will build confidence AND you will see what they know from their Unique perspective.
For even MORE ideas, you can go to “27 Ways to Assess Background Knowledge.”
The Pitfalls of Skipping Prior Knowledge
Trying to teach new information without first checking what a child already knows can lead to… yep, you guessed it…confusion and frustration. Imagine, you are teaching your child about ocean ecosystems, but they believe all fish are just goldfish. Without taking the time to understand their existing knowledge, you might end up teaching information that doesn’t make sense to them because of a misconception.
This is why strategies for assessing background knowledge are SO important! They help you
ensure that your lessons are relevant and meaningful to your child. Which prevents confusion and behaviors AND sets them up for success.
The Power of Understanding What Your Child Knows
Assessing prior knowledge is more than just a formality used in education. It’s a powerful tool that shapes how you approach teaching. It allows you to meet your child where they are and build a learning experience that works for them. Whether you’re teaching a complex subject or a simple skill, knowing your child’s current understanding is essential to guiding them forward.
By taking the time to assess what your child knows, you ensure that their learning journey is one of steady progress. With the right strategies in place, you can help them move past obstacles, fill in gaps, and build on their strengths. In the end, this thoughtful approach makes learning more enjoyable and less stressful for both you and your child.
The best part? You’re not only helping your child learn new things, but you’re also helping them become more confident learners. It’s so much more than just gaining knowledge—it’s about empowering your child to take charge of their own learning and feel proud of what they can achieve.
With these strategies for assessing background knowledge, you’re not just preparing your child for the next step in their education, you’re setting them up for lifelong success and building a love for learning.
