Instructional Strategies

• 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 (e.g. horse) and elicit the relevant information for the map from the students.

  • Write the information in the appropriate boxes in the model.

  • Guide the students in developing a definition for the concept, emphasizing that it 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

    • Students may use information from their reading passage, the glossary 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.

• Students share their definitions with classmates.

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