Thinking Maps: Tools for Learning

This week’s

focus:

The Circle

Map

Purpose:

To define in

context;

generate ideas;

examine how

you view

something;

brainstorm

Key Words:

define

prior knowledge

list

tell what know

context (clues)

identify

Thinking process:

This map is used to help us define something and show

our understanding of a topic. We use this to generate ideas,

assess what we already know, and what we have learned.

Around the outside is a box. This is called the “frame

of reference.” Here we can write how we know what we know.

Did someone teach us? Did we experience it? Did we

read/see something about it? It also allows us to consider our

point of view because our different experiences cause us to

see the world differently from one another. (Would an adult

define a “good” TV show the same way a child would?)

How to create this map:

1. In the center of your paper write the topic or idea that

you are thinking about. Then draw a circle around it.

2. Brainstorm all of your thoughts about this topic/idea

and write (or draw) them around the circle. When

you’re finished, draw a large circle around everything.

3. Draw a box around the outside of all of this to create

your “frame of reference.” Write how you know what

you know or what influenced your thoughts.

Turn over to see examples and

suggestions.

Here are examples of circle maps from classrooms.

Sample questions you could ask at home:

What meals would you like to eat for dinner?

What gifts would you like for your next

birthday/Christmas?

What are your favorite kinds of candy?

What should you plant in your family’s garden?

What do you want to dress up as for

Halloween?

What stores to you visit most often?

Select one of the questions to the

left or come up with your own idea

of how your child or your family

could use this circle map.