A Circle Map is one of the first Thinking Maps we use in Kindergarten. It is probably one of the easiest for young children to grasp and comprehend because basically they are taking a single (one) idea and defining it in its context.
Here is one way to use the Circle Map in a writing lesson on describing oranges (the fruit).
Prepare in advance: Cut up oranges (Navel oranges are great as they don't contain seeds!) so that each child can have one sector/wedge/slices. Keep one orange whole as a sample. Get a sheet of paper (butcher paper or one large sheet of construction paper) and tape it to the board. Have a marker nearby.
Explain that today the children will be writing about oranges but first, we need to gather information. Pass out the orange slices. Have the children use their sense of sight to look at the slice, touch to feel it, smell, and finally taste. After finishing the tasting, show the whole fruit and turn to the board, drawing a circle within a circle with the word ORANGES written in the inner circle. Ask children to provide words that describe the orange that they just experienced. Write the words/phrases in the outer circle.
Similar characteristics can be grouped or not…they can be written anywhere! Another Circle Map can always be re-drawn to show similar groupings at later time.
That's it! Simple, isn't it? The Circle Map has provided a way to gather information around a single topic.
Circle Maps
AR Book Find
I bet YOU have your own 'AR' books at home or have been checking some out at your own public library! 'Accelerated Reader' books are simply those that have the special quizzes to go with them. Check to see if your book book is listed under the AR Book Find. You can find the reading level and more!
