KNOWLEDGE LIBRARY
WHY KNOWLEDGE MATTERS
Reading Comprehension depends on more than decoding words. Students also need knowledge and vocabulary to understand what they read.
By helping children build their knowledge through meaningful content, the Knowledge Library strengthens comprehension while fostering curiosity about the world. We believe every student deserves access to the knowledge that opens doors to lifelong learning.
OUR APPROACH
Knowledge builds comprehension.
Background Knowledge Project is building the Knowledge Library, a growing collection of free, knowledge rich curriculum that helps students develop the background knowledge, vocabulary, and language needed to understand what they read and engage with the world around them.
Every collection in the Knowledge Library is grounded in the Science of Reading and designed around one guiding principle: meaningful content and strong literacy instruction should work together, not compete for instructional time.
Our first collection, Stories that Shape Us, introduces K-2 students to world and American history, while intentionally strengthening vocabulary, oral language, sentence development, and writing. Future collections will expand the Knowledge Library to additional knowledge-rich subjects, giving teachers an ever growing source of high-quality instructional resources at not cost.
HOW OUR COLLECTIONS WORK
Each lesson is intentionally designed to accomplish two goals at the same time.
Students Build Knowledge
Students explore engaging, age-appropriate content while they:
- Build background knowledge
- Grow academic vocabulary
- Develop language skills that support speaking and writing
Teachers Build Capacity
Every lesson also provides embedded professional learning by modeling evidence-based instructional practices that help teachers:
- Teach vocabulary explicitly
- Strengthen foundational language skills
- Integrate literacy with meaningful content
- Deliver engaging, knowledge-rich instruction with confidence
DESIGNED FOR REAL CLASSROOMS
We know that teachers need resources that are both effective and practical. That's why every lesson is:
- Ready to teach
- Free to download
- Designed for a 30-45 minute instructional block
- Available electronically
- Minimal printing required
- Aligned to Arkansas and national standards
- Intentionally paced so teachers can teach a meaningful collection of lessons over the school year without overwhelming their schedule
Build Knowledge
Grow Vocabulary
Develop Language Skills
Strong readers don't just decode words, they understand them.
That understanding depends on knowledge.
Complete the form below for free access to all our materials.
BKP Toolbox
Our toolbox features a collection of one-page resources focused on word knowledge, world knowledge, and text structure. These guides detail the core routines embedded in our curriculum.
BKP Lessons
Our Collections are free for teachers
thanks to grant funding and the generosity of donors.
Please complete this quick form to gain access to the BKP KNOWLEDGE LIBRARY page.
Thank you for helping us track our reach and maintain free access.
