Challenging Background Knowledge Within Children's Literature

Abstract

Research on literacy emphasizes the importance of background knowledge in enhancing reading comprehension. Using several children's books that require well-developed background knowledge for optimal understanding and appreciation as examples, the author suggests ways teachers can support students in developing their background knowledge during independent reading. It is expected that such knowledge would enable students to become aware of the important details that contribute to or extend their understanding of a narrative, while appreciating the craft of authorship. As readers' comprehension improves, so should their enjoyment of the process and subject of reading.