Comprehending Strategy Vocabulary Mapping Guide Tina West H.J. MacDonald Middle School/Craven County NCTA – Summer Academy Western Carolina University June 2008 IntroductionIntroduction Steps Example Testimonials LinksStepsExampleTestimonialsLinks

Introduction Purpose: Vocabulary mapping is a graphic organizer which enables students to expand on concepts.

Description The vocabulary mapping strategy encourages students to move from simple dictionary-like statements to more complex critical thinking definitions that show relationships: What is it (category)? What is it like (properties)? What are some examples (illustrations)?

Step One Point out that in order to develop a meaningful definition, the map needs to contain three relationships: “What is it? What is it like? What are some examples?”

Step Two The teacher models this strategy by identifying a familiar vocabulary word that can be easily mapped. (Examples: Yogurt, rain, forest, shoes) –Sample included.

Example What is it? What is it like? What are some examples? Definition: _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Yogurt

Step Three Ask “What is it?” Record selected student responses on the map.

Example What is it? What is it like? What are some examples? Definition: _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Yogurt Food-dairy product

Step Four Ask “What is it like?” Record selected student responses on the map.

Example What is it? What is it like? What are some examples? Definition: _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Yogurt Food-dairy productSmooth Creamy Soft Frozen

Step Five Ask “What are some examples?” Record student responses on map.

Example What is it? What is it like? What are some examples? Definition: _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Yogurt Food-dairy productSmooth Creamy Soft Frozen Fat freeVanillaStrawberry

Step Six Explain to students that the definition now includes properties, categories, and examples.

Step Seven Collaboratively brainstorm a final written definition.

Example What is it? What is it like? What are some examples? Food-dairy product Yogurt VanillaStrawberry Smooth Creamy Soft Frozen Fat free Definition: Yogurt is a smooth, creamy, sometimes soft frozen dairy food that can be fat free and come in several flavors like vanilla and strawberry.

Step Eight Students can work in groups to complete vocabulary maps for all the terms given.

Step Nine Groups should share their final definitions with the class.

Testimonials: How This Strategy Enhances Literacy According to another Literacy Coach, Vocabulary Mapping is the most effective strategy she has ever used for teaching vocabulary.

Internet Links Other graphic organizers for vocabulary mapping are available at the following web sites: