OVERVIEW:
A K-W-L chart is a graphic organizer which allows students to document and organize their knowledge about a topic before and after a lesson.

Woven Teaching’s K-W-L chart includes an additional section (H) for students to describe how their learning adds to their understanding of human rights.

Procedure

  1. Distribute K-W-L-H handouts to students (or have them create their own on a sheet of paper).

  2. Complete Section 1 (K) before the lesson – What do students know about the topic?

    Individually or in small groups, ask students to brainstorm everything they know about the topic. Teachers may also choose to collect a master list of all student knowledge – we are more knowledgeable together than apart!

    It is important for students to share their knowledge and ideas at this stage, as some may have incorrect information or misconceptions. Depending on the misconception, it may be important to offer a correction at this point. Other times, student understanding may evolve on its own over the course of the lesson.

  3. Complete Section 2 (W) before the lesson – What do students want to know about the topic?

    Students should complete Section 2 on their own. If students are not sure where to start, teachers can provide extra prompts to stimulate ideas:

    • What is one thing you listed in the first section (K) or something a classmate shared that you would like to know more about?

    • Who? What? Where? Why? When? How?

  4. Complete Section 3 (L) during and after the lesson – What have students learned?

    As students move through the lesson, they can add what they have learned to Section 3. As they document what they’ve learned, they can also refer to Section 2 (W) and include answers to any of the questions they had at the beginning of the lesson.

  5. Complete Section 4 (H) after the lesson – How does students’ new knowledge enhance their understanding of human rights?

    In Section 4, students can connect their learning to current events, social justice movements, or other historical moments related to human rights. Teachers can provide extra prompts to stimulate ideas:

    • How does the material deepen your understanding of human rights?

    • Did anything from the lesson inspire you to take action?

    • What information from this lesson will you share with their friends, families, and community?