The TKWLS is a before reading activity. The acronym stands for: Think I Know, Want to Know, Learned, and Still Want to Know Reading is an active process that involves making connections. Using this strategy will help readers activate prior knowledge (Think I Know), invest and interest into the topic (Want to Know), name and claim their newly found knowledge (Learned), and continue in their educational journey (Still Want to Know). This strategy would be very beneficial when introducing a new art medium or lesson plan that requires a lot of detail.
How to use: The teacher will start by writing TKWLS divided into columns on the board. The teacher will then ask the students to brainstorm what they already know about the subject. These brainstormed ideas will be written in the first column, the “Think I Know” column.
Students should also develop a list of what they “Want to Know” after they have completed their prior knowledge. This may require some work on the teachers end to pull information from students.
While students are reading they can add to the “Learned” column or answer and questions they may have found answers to in the “Want to Know” column.
Once the reading activity is complete, the class will revisit all columns and fill in anything that was missed and add to the “Still Want to Know” column. This is a great way for students to reflect on what they have learned.