What is the primary benefit of creating a KWL chart before reading an informational text?

The primary benefit of creating a KWL chart before reading an informational text is that it helps students establish a purpose for reading the text prior to engaging with it. A KWL chart consists of three columns: what students Know, what they Want to know, and what they have Learned after reading.

By filling out the 'K' column, students are prompted to activate their prior knowledge about the topic, which helps them connect new information to what they already know. The 'W' column encourages them to think about what they hope to discover or learn from the text, fostering a sense of curiosity and purpose. This pre-reading strategy sets a focused agenda for their reading, guiding their comprehension and allowing them to look for specific answers or information while engaging with the text.

As a result, students are likely to be more engaged and motivated during reading, retaining more information and enhancing their understanding of the content. This structured approach creates a more effective reading experience overall.