ABSTRACT
In Chapter 4, we described and gave examples of Barbara’s narrative approach to social studies lessons. Starting with this chapter, we will analyze her lessons more closely, to highlight the planning and instruction involved in teaching for understanding by focusing on connected networks of knowledge structured around big ideas. In this chapter, we focus on the planning and teaching strategies involved in establishing an initial knowledge base with learners who not only are young, but possess very limited prior knowledge of the topics being taught. In the following chapters, we examine the ways that Barbara transitions from establishing a knowledge base to extending and applying it by asking her students questions and then following up on their responses.
