Pictorial K-W-L

Graphic Organizer for Early Literacy

Stage of Literacy Development:

Stage 1: Beginning Literacy

Ages:

5-8

Grade Range:

1st 2nd

Food Groups:

Primary:
Reading Comprehension Strategies, Knowledge Building

Activity Description

Preparation:

Select a picture book that will introduce your desired topic
Photocopy one worksheet for each student
Find an area of the classroom to display student work with the titles "Know", "Wonder", and "Learned"

Implementation:

Display a sample Know Wonder Learned (KWL) chart.
1. Explain that the “K” stands for know, the “W” stands for wonder, and the “L” stands for learned.
Introduce the book and topic you have chosen.
1. Without reading, ask students to think about what they already know about the topic and what questions they might wonder.
2. Record examples of student ideas and questions on the KWL chart underneath the appropriate categories.
Ask students to write one thing they know about the topic on the worksheet provided, beginning with “I know…”
Repeat this process for “I wonder”.
Have students draw and color a picture related to each sentence.
Read the pre-selected picture book aloud.
1. Stop at various points throughout to see if some knowledge is confirmed or if some students’ questions are answered.
Have students complete the I Learned worksheet after reading.

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Allow students to write shorter sentences and include more detailed drawings. 
- Have students work with a partner who is more proficient in English.

LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:

- Allow students to draw detailed pictures and write fewer sentences.
- Teach the "I Know" and "I Wonder" components on separate days.

Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:

- Encourage students to incorporate aspects of their culture and heritage in their writing and questioning.

Differentiated Instruction:

- Challenge more proficient readers with more advanced texts.
- Ensure texts are chosen to represent the interests of the class.

Related References

Source: 
Barell, John. (2003). Developing more curious minds. Alexandria, VA: Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Evidence:
Schmidt, P. R. (1999). KWLO: Inquiry and literacy learning in science. The Reading
Teacher, 52(7), 789-792.

Activity Objective

The goal of Pictorial K-W-L: Graphic Organizer for Early Literacy is to provide students with a framework that organizes knowledge, builds reading comprehension, and supports their writing.

What You Need

Prep Time:

15-20 minutes
- Find picture book
- Print out worksheets for students
- Set up bulletin board to display students' work

Task Time:

30 minutes
- Teacher presents book and topic
- Students complete the I Know and I Wonder  worksheets
- Teacher reads book aloud
- Teacher and students complete the I Learned
  worksheet

Materials Required:

Teacher:
- Picture book

Students:
- Know, Wonder, Learned worksheets
- Markers
- Pencils

What You Do

Teacher Role:

Direct instruction:
- while explaining how to complete the worksheets

Facilitator:
- as students discuss things the know, wonder,
  and have learned and ideas are recorded

Supporter:
- while students complete the worksheets

Student Grouping:

Whole class:
- while introducing the book and modeling how to complete worksheets

Individual:
- while students complete the worksheets

Assessment Ideas:

- Evaluate students' worksheets
  a. Assess evidence of reading comprehension 
  from the ideas presented in the worksheets
  b. Take note of students' schema related to the 
  topic

Quick Tips

Activity Extensions:

- Encourage students to go beyond one sentence and to write down many things that they know, wonder and learned.

- Create heterogeneous groups and have students come up with what they know and wonder about the topic.
  a. At the end of the unit, they can do the same 
  with what they learned

Other Adaptations/Modifications:

- Post examples to serve as a reference for students.