Both
KWL and KWLS Charts
Reading Strategies
Common Core Standards:
Informational: RI 5.7
Literature: RL 3.1
Suggested Texts
l Examine prior knowledge before reading
l Ask questions to set purposes for
reading
The Wagon Train
Nature’s Green Umbrella: Tropical
Rain Forests
l Read nonfiction texts for understanding
l Record facts and details
l Determine where to search for more
information
The KWL (Know-Wonder-Learned) Chart was explained in Chapter 1, but the graphic organizer is included here because it works with both informational texts
and literature. Use it before reading a story that requires
knowledge of a particular scientific or historical concept.
For example, before reading a historical fiction book,
have the class complete a collaborative KWL chart based
on the particular time period in which the story is set. The
four-column KWLS (Know-Wonder-Learned-Search) Chart
is a variation of the KWL chart. When students are reading
informational texts, they are often interested in learning
more. The “Search” column prompts students to list the
places where they can search for more information.
Step by Step (KWLS Chart):
1 Introduce the KWL chart as described on page 18 before introducing
the KWLS Chart.
2 After students are familiar with the KWL chart, read aloud a short selection that references a topic that students might want to explore further.
3 After you complete the “L” column with what they learned, add the
fourth column and ask them where they could search for more information.
For example, they might search on the Internet, in a particular magazine,
or in other nonfiction books on related topics. They might also interview an
expert or plan to visit a local museum.
Laura Candler’s Graphic Organizers for Reading
•
www.lauracandler.com
107
Laura Candler’s Graphic Organizers for Reading
•
www.lauracandler.com
108
Wonder
Before or as you read, write what you wonder or want to know about the topic.
Before you read, write what you think you
know about the topic.
Date:
Name:
Know
Title or Topic:
KWL Chart
While reading or after you finish, take notes
about what you learned.
Learned
Laura Candler’s Graphic Organizers for Reading
•
www.lauracandler.com
109
Wonder
Before or as you read, write
what you wonder or want to
know about the topic.
Know
Before you read, write what you
think you know about the topic.
Title or Topic:
KWLS Chart
Date:
Name:
While reading or after
you finish, take notes
about what you learned.
Learned
After you finish reading, where
can you search for more info
on this topic?
Search