Build Your Background Knowledge

You might not be able to understand what you're reading because you just don't have enough background knowledge (also known as SCHEMA).

Here are some helpful ways to increase your background knowledge.  You could use any or all of these in any order.  

1. Look it up on a reliable online site. 
One way to find reliable information is to use Utah's Online Library (UOL).   https://onlinelibrary.uen.org/   You can use it at school without a username and password.  You need those when you use it at home, so look for them toward the bottom of the homepage on the left when you are using the Online Library at school.   Looking something up in an encyclopedia such as World Book (which is free on UOL)  is a quick way to learn about it.  

You can use Wikipedia as a jumping-off point, too, but be careful.  Remember that it can be changed by almost anyone.   


2. Find a book (maybe one written for children) on the topic.







3. Watch a documentary or other educational program. 

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