Concepts Maps:

Concepts Maps in the Language Arts classroom. Molly Warner John Griffin Middle School

Concept Maps in the Language Arts Classroom?:

Concept Maps in the Language Arts Classroom? As a new teacher, I have found several different
ways I can use concept mapping within my reading and writing classes. These ideas seem to
encourage student participation and hold each student accountable for their work process and
completion.

Summarizing Lectures:
Summarizing Lectures To prepare my 7th grade students for high school and college, I would have
them use a concept map to take lecture notes given on a particular day in the computer lab. This
could easily be done with the Rules of the Computer Lab or Ways to use Study Island just to give
students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with concept mapping.

How about Reviewing for an Exam?:

How about Reviewing for an Exam?

In the Reading Classroom:

In the Reading Classroom

Reading Comprehension:
Reading Comprehension Mapping can easily check students reading comprehension skills. A great
idea would be to have children construct a cmap at the beginning of the year on a particular selection.
This could be used to judge what needs to be taught early-on in the year to make sure the children
have a strong reading foundation.

In the Reading Classroom:

In the Reading Classroom Cmaps can be easily used when the students are asked to Summarize
an article or reading selection.

Summarizing:
Summarizing Students may use mapping to summarize an article or chapter in a book with the
following ways: -Read the introduction and conclusion of the article, skim it, mapping sub-headings,
graphs, and diagrams. -Read the article in one sitting and chunk the information. -Have students
map out everything they read the more details they are able to include in their map, more evidence
of reading comprehension mastery.

Example:
Example

In the Writing Classroom:

In the Writing Classroom

In the Writing Classroom:

In the Writing Classroom Brainstorming Ideas for Essays Vocabulary Break-down Creative Writing
Sentence Structure and Grammar Enhancement

Brainstorming:
Brainstorming 7th graders are assessed each year on their ability to construct a well-written
evaluative or problem/solution writing paper. The only key to being able to organize a paper in 75
minutes is brainstorming. Through Cmaps students can visualize different solutions and viewpoints all
within one sheet.

Brainstorming Example of a Cmap used before Writing a Speech :

Brainstorming Example of a Cmap used before Writing a Speech
Vocabulary Break-down:
Vocabulary Break-down Students would use Cmaps to break down words in order to figure out their
meanings: listing anonyms, synonyms, root meanings, references, prefix and suffix meanings, etc.

Vocabulary Map Example:

Vocabulary Map Example

Creative Writing:
Creative Writing In Writing the Natural Way, Gabriele Rico claims that mapping out ideas through
cmaps can stimulate creative writing ideas for individuals. What better way to get children motivated
and excited about their own topic.