Extensive research over the years indicates that there are at least five essential components teachers can include in their classroom to help their students comprehend and learn. These features include: (1) giving background and connecting to students' prior knowledge; (2) providing a strong vocabulary program; (3) setting aside ample opportunity for actual reading and writing in the classroom; (4) allowing time for students to talk about the reading; and (5) incorporating teacher-directed instruction and modeling of reading/thinking strategies. Good readers draw on their prior knowledge and experience to increase their understanding, which means that when teachers teach students how to connect to the text, they are giving them a tool to better understand what they are reading. Here are some useful methods for activating background knowledge: (1) Prepared questions; (2) Word connection; (3) Call to mind; (4) ABC brainstorming; and (5) Think aloud. (Contains 2 figures.)