Semantic Maps
What is a semantic map?
Semantic maps are graphic organizers that help students connect background knowledge to new vocabulary words. Lines connected to descriptive words, examples, and related terms stem off from the targeted vocabulary word. What age groups can benefit from semantic maps? Kindergarten students into adulthood can benefit from and use semantic maps. Which academic disciplines can use semantic maps? All academic disciplines can use semantic maps to teach new vocabulary words. |
Why use semantic maps?
Semantic maps help students relate new information to previous knowledge through a visual representation (map). The visual map assists students with restructuring prior knowledge to integrate new information for greater understanding. Creating semantic maps is an interactive activity with students contributing ideas, discussing examples, and brainstorming related terms. (Reutzel & Cooter, 2011) Do semantic maps increase reading comprehension? Yes, studies have shown that students who used semantic maps to learn vocabulary words, prior to reading new material, showed greater comprehension than students who did not use semantic maps. (Baleghizadeh & Naeim, 2011; Thuy, 2011) |
Steps for Creating Semantic Maps in your Classroom!With the whole class:
1. Choose a vocabulary word. For example: snakes 2. Write it on the whiteboard and then draw a circle around it. 3. Ask your students to brainstorm ideas that come to mind when they hear the vocabulary word "Snakes". 4. Write the words on the board and show students how to categorize them. The categories for "Snakes" could be "Poisonous," "Reptiles," and "Not Poisonous." 5. Then list the words associated with the proper category. 6. Repeat the steps again as a class or have students try with a partner. The more that students practice creating semantic maps, the better they will get at this strategy to learn new vocabulary! (Essortment, 2011.) |
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