Thinking Maps

Thinking Maps©

Thinking Maps integrate thinking skills and mapping techniques. Learning to use these strategies helps students develop good writing skills. These techniques also help students become better learners as they develop life-long skills that help them to study.

Thinking Maps uses basic mental operations involved in perceiving, processing and evaluating information. They describe, classify, and sequence. The skills used with Thinking Maps can be done with paper and pencil and many writing activites begin this way in our first grade classrooms.

Circle Map©

Circle Maps are tools used to help define a thing or idea. It is used to brainstorm ideas and for showing prior knowledge about a topic. In the center of the circle, use words, numbers, pictures, or any other sign or symbol to represent the object, person, or idea you are trying to understand or define. In the outside circle, write or draw any information that puts this thing in context.