What is the purpose of an anticipatory set in reading instruction?

The purpose of an anticipatory set in reading instruction is to prepare students for a lesson and activate prior knowledge. This technique serves as a warm-up activity before the main instructional content begins. By activating prior knowledge, the anticipatory set helps students connect what they already know to the new material they will learn, thereby enhancing their understanding and retention of the information.

When educators implement an anticipatory set, they engage students' interests and mental readiness, making them more receptive to the lesson’s objectives. This foundational approach not only sets the tone for the learning experience but also encourages student participation and enthusiasm, creating a positive learning environment.

Different instructional strategies, such as discussions, multimedia presentations, or relevant questions, can serve as effective anticipatory sets. All of these techniques focus on linking previous experiences or knowledge to the upcoming lesson, which ultimately supports deeper comprehension and engagement with the material.