CONCEPT MAP

CONCEPT MAP

A concept map is a visual organizer that can enrich students' understanding of a new concept. Using a graphic organizer, students think about the concept in several ways. Most concept map organizers engage students in answering questions such as, "What is it? What is it like? What are some examples?" Concept maps deepen understanding and comprehension.

Why use a concept map?

• It helps children organize new information.
• It helps students to make meaningful connections between the main idea and other information.
• They're easy to construct and can be used within any content area.

How to use a concept map

Note: It is important that teachers spend time introducing younger students to charts and diagrams prior to using this strategy.

There are several ways to construct concept maps. Most include the following steps:

1. Model how to identify the major ideas or concepts presented in a selection of text as you read.
2. Organize the ideas into categories. Remind students that your organization may change as you continue to read and add more information.
3. Use lines or arrows on the map to represent how ideas are connected to one another, a particular category, and/or the main concept. Limit the amount of information on the map to avoid frustration.
4. After students have finished the map, encourage them to share and reflect on how they each made the connections between concepts.
5. Encourage students to use the concept map to summarize what was read.

For second language learners, students of varying reading skill, students with learning disabilities, and younger learners

• Teachers can use concept maps as a pre-reading strategy by inviting students to share what they already know about a particular concept. While reading, teachers should ask students to help add to the map as a group using an overhead or large chart. This provides a visual aid for building upon their prior knowledge with new information they have gathered from reading.
• Teachers may wish to have students practice writing skills by asking students to write on their own concept map.
• Teach vocabulary words explicitly and use simple words.
• Be sure the pointed part of each arrow is clear. Design the graphics to minimize directional confusion.
• When applicable, allow students to draw pictures or use cut out pictures as well as words.