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Concept Definition Map
Middle elementary and above
Expository and narrative texts
Vocabulary development
Assess/develop/activate prior knowledge
Motivation
Set purpose for reading
Identify characteristics/properties
Identify examples
Expand understanding of concept beyond simple definition
Link new word to prior knowledge
Writing
Strategy Steps:
Display a blank model of a concept
definition map.
Point to the questions on the map.
Tell students that a complete definition
would answer:
What is it?
What is it like?
What are some examples?
Model how to use a concept definition
map.
Use a familiar concept (such as horse) and elicit the relevant information for the map from the students. Write the information in the appropriate
spaces in the model.
As you guide the students in developing a definition for the concept, emphasize that is should include:
The word category
The important properties or characteristics
Some specific examples
Repeat with a different, familiar concept from the text.
Present another familiar concept from
the text.
Provide guided practice as the students develop the concept map.
Provide as much support as necessary for the students to be successful.
Present the new concept from the text
the students are learning.
Provide guided practice as the students develop the concept map.
They will not write the definition at this point.
Provide independent practice with the new concept.
Cover the concept map you and the students have developed.
Students work in pairs to recreate the concept definition map.
They may use information from their reading passage, the glosary or dictionary, and their own background knowledge to complete their concept map.
Students use the information in the maps to write a complete definition of the concept.
The definitions should be more involved than simple dictionary statements and will usually contain several sentences.