A Tree Map is a good visual for classifying ideas. It can be used along with the Circle Map in Kindergarten to help with writing sentences. The Tree Map provides the writer with the main idea, supporting idea, and the details. Basically, it provides the why.
Let's take the information from the Circle Map on Oranges and see how it can be used to fill in a Tree Map.
In this case, the teacher writes in the verb for each and the children can help decide what words from the Circle Map go under each 'branch.'
I tell my Kindergartners that if we took the Tree Map and flipped it upside-down, then it really does look like a tree. The topic is the trunk of the tree, the main ideas are the branches, and the supporting ideas/details are the leaves.
From the Tree Map, children can be shown how to follow the branches to write sentences. The Oranges Tree Map has a number of sentences: Oranges taste sweet. Oranges grow on trees. etc. Some children may know how to connect words so they may write Oranges taste sweet and sour.
Tree 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!
