A schema is a generalized mental model which is used to organize memory, to focus attention,

to interpret experience, and to codify actions. A schema is similar to a prototype or template,

except that schemas are active, self-activating, self-revising processes. 

                                                                                                                                       - Gerald Grow (1996)

What are schema and prior knowledge?

• Prior knowledge is one component of schema.  Experience is another.
  
• prior knowledge vs schema - beginning teacher explains the difference between bridging prior knowledge and schema building
• Schema Theory Example (2:20) - offers example of how seven words can activate schema and greatly improve comprehension
  

strategies for building and activating prior knowledge?

• Teach kids to build their own prior knowledge - 2014 Middleweb blog post by Laura Robb (note checklist for students) 
• Previewing Challenging Topics with Text Graffiti (4:48) - video featured at TeachingChannel.org that demonstrates middle school teacher's use of text graffiti
• Thinking Notes: A Strategy for Close Reading (1:43) - video featured at TeachingChannel.org that demonstrate teachers use of "thinking notes" as stategy to scaffold students' annotation of complex texts.
• Silent Tea Party: Pre-Reading Strategy for Challenging Texts (5:55) - video demonstrates high school teachers use of pre-selected quotes to motivate schema building and interest in upcoming reading
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