Thinking Maps

FALL 2009 CENTRAL UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT ISSUE ONE

Circle Map
The Circle Map is used to define taught and/or at the end of the
a concept, word, or idea. unit.
Ho Q
thin w are ues
It is a great map to use to: The Circle Map is used to
diagnose prior knowledge brainstorm ideas and show con g or you tio
brainstorm before writing what you already know about tex
t? Wdea? efinin s
i d n
use as a lesson closure a topic by using context W
of r hat i hat g this
information.  This can be words, efe s yo is t
ren u h
ce? r frame
This can be words, numbers, numbers, pictures, symbols, etc.
pictures, symbols, etc. to to represent the object, person, e
represent the object, person, or or ideas you are trying to
ideas you are trying to understand or define.
understand or define.
Written in the inner circle is
Introduce your students to the some "thing" you are trying to
Circle Map within the first define.  It is represented by a Frame of Reference
weeks of school. Use the map word or symbol.  In the outer
throughout the curriculum. circle, information is written or How do you know
Students can work in drawn that puts the "thing" in what you
cooperative learning groups or context. The square around the
as a whole class to brainstorm circles is called the frame of
know?
what they know about a topic. reference. This is where "how
Students can share their you know what you know"
knowledge prior to a unit being is added to the map. 

Remember Vocabulary
Synonym
Sentence Vocabulary is essential in the development of
Test
reading comprehension. Students need to
evaluation
Sam took his math measurement Antonym connect the vocabulary words to their prior
assessment today. knowledge to develop a strong understanding
assignment
of the new word.
homework
assessment They need to hear it, see it in a sentence,
a method of
picture it, and connect other vocabulary words
evaluating to it for it to become part of their permanent
student performance
and attainment MATH vocabulary. The Circle Map is a great tool to
TEST use when building a student’s vocabulary.

Definition Picture
 Activities and Tips

Whole School Activities:

1. Create a School Wide Circle Map

and place it in the cafeteria or in
the main lobby of your school.

2. The map can define the school

principal, the community, the
school or a successful student.

3. Select a book to be read school

wide, and use a School Wide
Circle Map to define the book or
a main character.

Home Tips: Have your child

brainstorm ways the family could
spend the summer vacation, their
favorite books, gifts they could
make for a grandparent, their
favorite holiday activities. Brevard County-Thinking Maps Student

Extensions of the Circle Map

Use color to show learning over time.

soldier
What the knight What the
student
Went to student
or class
or class
knew Lived in Sir South
learned
at the Walter America
England during
beginning Raleigh
the unit.
of the
unit. Involved with
writer Roanoke
Sue Feigal-Hitch
Eden Prairie Schools, Minnesota