The Circle Map

Circle Map

The thinking maps have been a very effective tool in our school and our teachers and students are becoming better learners of the thought process used in writing. Thinking Maps are based on scientific research. A Language for learning (p. vi), the Thinking Maps manual, states that "Current brain research shows that the brain is a linguistic and nonlinguistic form." Thinking maps are a visual language that works in every grade and for every subject.

Our students are getting very familiar with these maps and by the time they reach upper grade they are able to combine the maps and use them for all their subjects. I teach first grade and can also see how familiar they are with the maps.

The circle map is one of the first maps students use. The Circle Map is simple to use for brainstorming ideas and for showing prior knowledge about a topic. This map adapts to the grade level. In the center of the circle map kindergarten students can draw pictures, apply realia, use photographs or pictures from magazines. As children learn to write, they can use words, numbers, or any other signs or symbols to represent the object, person, or idea being defined. In the outside circle, they can write, draw or use graphics for any information that puts the main object in context.

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