Embedded Files
Word Maps
Word Maps
What are Word Maps?
What are Word Maps?
A word map is a visual organizer that promotes vocabulary development. Using a graphic organizer, students think about terms or concepts in several ways. Most word map organizers engage students in developing a definition, synonyms, antonyms, and a picture for a given vocabulary word or concept. Enhancing students' vocabulary is important to developing their reading comprehension.
Why use Word Maps?
Why use Word Maps?
They're useful for helping students develop their understanding of a word.
They help students think about new terms or concepts in several ways by asking the following questions:
"What is it?"
"What is it like?" and
"What are some examples?"
They help student build upon prior knowledge and visually represent new information.
How to use Word Maps?
How to use Word Maps?
Introduce the vocabulary word and the map to the students.
Teach them how to use the map by putting the target word in the central box.
Ask students to suggest words or phrases to put in the other boxes which answer the following questions: "What is it?" "What is it like?" and "What are some examples?"
Encourage students to use synonyms, antonyms, and a picture to help illustrate the new target word or concept.
Model how to write a definition using the information on the word map.
Effective Vocabulary Instruction
Effective Vocabulary Instruction
Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski share their model for effective vocabulary instruction for Multilingual Learners (MLs) in their book "The ELL Teacher Toolbox" based on Marzano's research-backed Six-step Process for Effective Vocabulary Instruction. Word Maps fit perfectly into the six-step process!
Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski share their model for effective vocabulary instruction for Multilingual Learners (MLs) in their book "The ELL Teacher Toolbox" based on Marzano's research-backed Six-step Process for Effective Vocabulary Instruction. Word Maps fit perfectly into the six-step process!
The six-step process includes the following steps:
The teacher provides a description, explanation, or example of the term.
The teacher pronounces the word - whether it's in the context of pre-teaching words needed for an upcoming text or unit, saying it while doing a read aloud, or introducing it as part of a cline or word web. The teacher should write the word on the board as well. Appropriate pronunciation is a crucial step for MLs.
Linguistic definition – students restate the description, explanation, or example in their own words.
The teacher describes the word using various examples using an image or different sentences.
Nonlinguistic definition – students construct a picture, pictograph, symbolic representation, or act out the term.
The students needs to actively process the word through writing his or her own definition (in English or the home language) and drawing an image. Students can use an online dictionary for ideas, but they need to be reminded not to copy a definition word-for-word. Of course, this takes teacher modeling and student practice! Teachers should also encourage students to use the word in an original sentence.
*The first three steps should be completed on the same day that the new vocabulary is introduced!
*The first three steps should be completed on the same day that the new vocabulary is introduced!
The teacher extends and refines understanding of the word by engaging students in activities that help them add to their knowledge of the terms in vocabulary notebooks.
Periodically ask students to discuss the terms with one another.
Involve students in games that enable them to play with the terms and reinforce word knowledge.
*The final three steps include a variety of application opportunities for students to practice the new vocabulary words!
*The final three steps include a variety of application opportunities for students to practice the new vocabulary words!
Collect Resources
Collect Resources
Language Arts
Language Arts
See example of a completed word map for the vocabulary word "harbor" and examples of using synonyms, antonyms and the student's description. See example >
Math
Math
Teachers can use word maps to teach new and unfamiliar terms in various math units. See example >
Science
Science
Teachers can use this strategy to teach unfamiliar vocabulary terms in science units. See example >
Social Studies
Social Studies
Learn how word maps can be integrated within a geography lesson to teach new concepts and terms. See example >
Differentiated Instruction
Differentiated Instruction
For second language learners, students of varying reading skill, students with learning disabilities, and younger learners
For second language learners, students of varying reading skill, students with learning disabilities, and younger learners
Give students who need extra help the chance to work with a partner.
Allow students to use pictures to illustrate when appropriate.
Adjust the number of words students need to map.
Provide students with sentences each containing the target word. The sentences should provide enough context clues to enable students to complete a word map.
Instruct advanced students to refer to the dictionary, encyclopedia or other reference books for help in completing the word map. Ask them to compare their definitions and the dictionary definition.
Gave it a try? Great! Tell us how it went and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize! You can also share any photos of your implementation of this month's strategy with jamie_cook@charleston.k12.sc.us
Gave it a try? Great! Tell us how it went and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize! You can also share any photos of your implementation of this month's strategy with jamie_cook@charleston.k12.sc.us
Thank you Reading Rockets for the resources and information!
Page updated
Report abuse