Teaching and Learning
Teaching and Learning – Building Knowledge: Why What Children Know Matters
At Sandringham East Primary School, we are continuing to explore how children learn best and how we can strengthen our teaching practices to support every student's success. One important area of focus is the role that knowledge plays in learning.
We often hear about the importance of developing skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity. While these skills are essential, research tells us that they depend heavily on what children already know. The more knowledge children have, the easier it becomes for them to understand new ideas, make connections and learn more.
For example, a child reading a text about the Great Barrier Reef will find it much easier to understand if they already know something about oceans, marine life, coral and ecosystems. Their existing knowledge helps them make sense of new information, understand unfamiliar vocabulary and develop a deeper understanding of what they are reading.
This is why we are placing an increasing emphasis on building a knowledge-rich curriculum at SEPS. Our aim is to ensure students develop a strong foundation of knowledge across a broad range of subjects, including history, geography, science, literature and the arts. By carefully sequencing what students learn, we can help them build on their existing knowledge year after year.
How can parents help build knowledge at home?
The wonderful thing about building knowledge is that it doesn't require worksheets or formal lessons. Everyday experiences provide valuable opportunities for learning.
- Talk about the world: Discuss current events, interesting facts, places, animals, historical events or scientific discoveries. Encourage questions and explore answers together.
- Read widely: Share books about a variety of topics, including fiction and nonfiction. Reading aloud and discussing books remains valuable even when children can read independently.
- Visit new places: Museums, libraries, galleries, parks and local landmarks provide opportunities to discover new things. Even a walk around the neighbourhood can spark curiosity.
- Introduce new vocabulary: Use interesting words in everyday conversations and explain their meanings. Encourage children to use these words themselves.
- Make connections: Help your child connect new information to something they already know. Ask questions such as, "Does this remind you of anything?" or "What do you already know about this?"
- Encourage curiosity: When your child asks a question you can't answer, investigate it together. This models the importance of being curious and continuing to learn.
The Key Message
Knowledge is the foundation upon which further learning is built. Every book read, conversation shared, new place visited and question explored adds to a child's understanding of the world.
By working together, school and home can help children develop the rich knowledge and vocabulary they need to become confident, curious and capable learners.