Concept Circles

Type of Literacy Strategy:

Reading Comprehension (during reading and post-reading)

Reading Level:

All Secondary Reading Levels; Based on how the concept circle is used in the class, students at lower reading levels or ELs might have a few pre-filled circles or areas. Like the central concept (center) left blank, 2nd ring filled in, and 3rd ring left open for note taking compared to all blank for other students.

Prep Time:

Depends on depth of use. 10-20 minutes for one-page guide.

Concept Circles in Use -

• After students have read a passage or text (or after a section of the unit depending on how you are using the strategy), have students either individually or in pairs, fill out the concept circles based on a central concept that you either assign or they think of.
• Students should fill out the 2nd ring with terms or specific concepts and take the third circle to fill out notes and details relating to the 2nd ring.
• Have students pair with another student (if first steps were individual) or with another pair (if first steps done in pairs), and share what they had written and add to their own circles if they hear things they agree with or also find important. Have students keep this to study or collect to gauge comprehension as a formative assessment.