Pre-Reading: Building Background: Introduction

This sample lesson demonstrates a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach to building students’ background knowledge before reading a novel. Flexibility in the presentation of information to the students and in how students demonstrate knowledge provides students with multiple ways to engage with the content and build background knowledge that will help them connect with and understand the novel.

This example provides methods for teachers and students using Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. However, the techniques and activities can be used with any novel.