This strategy presents a word map, or a graphic organization, of the key elements of a concept such as the class or category, the properties or characteristics, and examples (Buehl, 2001). This strategy can be used with students in the lower elementary grades through high school.
1. Tell the students the concept they will be learning, for example, reptile.
2. Display a blank concept map on a chart or board (see Figure below).
3. Write the word reptile in the “word” box.
4. Ask students for examples of reptiles. (You may need to have some photographs or illustration of reptiles to show them.) Write their responses in the boxes labeled illustrations or examples.
5. Ask students for characteristics/features of reptiles. (Again, you may need to show them photographs or illustrations.) Write their responses (e.g., cold-blooded, covered with scales, vertebrate) in the boxes under the heading, What is it like?
6. Ask students to name the category (Living Creature or Animal) and write their response in the box at the top.
(Some students may need help identifying a category.)
7. Review the completed concept map with the students and then ask a student to tell what a reptile is using the information on the map. Ask several other students to do the same.
8. If appropriate, have each student (individually or with a partner) write a short paragraph explaining what a reptile is.
9. Have the students share their paragraphs with other class members.
10. Students revise their paragraphs, if necessary.
Older students who are familiar with this strategy can do steps 3 through 10 independently or with a partner using their text to search for the information needed.
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