Why is it important to activate students' prior knowledge before introducing a new text?

Activating students' prior knowledge is crucial because it creates a framework for new information, allowing students to make meaningful connections with the material they are about to learn. This process enhances comprehension by linking new concepts to what they already know, thereby fostering deeper understanding and engagement. When students relate their existing knowledge to the new text, they are better equipped to grasp the themes, characters, and ideas presented, making the learning experience more relevant and effective. This connection not only aids in retention but also builds confidence as students recognize how their previous experiences can inform new learning.

While focusing on fluency, predicting vocabulary words, and memorizing key details might support a comprehensive reading strategy, they do not directly address the foundational cognitive process of relating past knowledge to new content, which is most effectively accomplished through activating prior knowledge.