Word Maps
from http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/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?
- 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.
| When to use: | Before reading | During reading | After reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to use: | Individually | With small groups | Whole class setting |
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.
Download blank templates
- Template 1 (52K PDF)*
- Template 2 (64K PDF)*
- Template 3 (28K PDF)*
Examples
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 > (76K PDF)*
Math
See how teachers can use word maps to teach new and unfamiliar terms in various math units.
See example > (52K PDF)*
Science
See how teachers can use this strategy to teach unfamiliar vocabulary terms in science units.
See example > (688K PDF)*
Social Studies
See how word maps can be integrated within a geography lesson to teach new concepts and terms.
See example > (8K PDF)*
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