Thinking Maps present information visually and can help students organize and expand upon ideas. There are eight different ones, and they can be used across all content areas. They are informed by cognitive science to activate specific cognitive processes, and they develop critical thinking skills.
All will eventually be implemented in instruction in the Danville Independent Schools.
Circle Maps are useful for defining and brainstorming. The district asked some teachers how they have already begun implementing Circle Maps into their classroom learning. Below are just a few examples of Circle Maps work going on in classrooms recently.
Jennifer Kerbaugh's preschool class created a circle map brainstorming different words that begin with the “L” sound. Her class also asked students’ families to create circle maps defining their students. In these ways, her class has used Circle Maps both to define and brainstorm.
First grade has used Circle Maps during a reading unit on tools and how they help people. They learned about science, math and chef tools. At the beginning of the unit, they used Circle Maps to identify tools they already knew. Then, after learning about math tools, they used Circle Maps to identify and brainstorm math tools that measure.
Tyler McGuffey’s students completed a novel study of “I Survived the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001.” Among their activities, they completed a Circle Map defining things they already knew about 9/11 to access prior knowledge.
Bate Language Arts Teacher Robin Neeley has been using Circle Maps as bellringers, writing to learn or exit slips. The class has completed some individually, in small groups and as a whole class.
“I am finding Thinking Maps to be very helpful in differentiating and enhancing my classroom instruction,” Neeley said.