FCAT Home > References > Strategies > Main Idea > Semantic Mapping Site Map
Semantic Mapping
This strategy helps students organize information using a graphic organizer. Semantic mapping enables students to not only visualize relationships, but to categorize them as well. As a direct teaching strategy that includes brainstorming and teacher-led discussions, it provides opportunities for schema development and enhancement, as well as prediction, hypothesizing and verification of content when used as a pre-reading activity. It is also referred to as a web or concept map.
- The teacher introduces a graphic organizer to the class. It can have several different appearances. It can be shown as circles, squares, or ovals with connecting lines.
- The students read an assigned text.
- Through class discussion, the teacher writes the main idea of the text in the middle of the top circle.
- The students share the supporting details of the main idea and place them in circles that are connected to the main idea by lines.
- This activity can also be used by students in cooperative groups or individually.
FCAT Home > References > Strategies > Main Idea > Semantic Mapping Site Map
4th Grade Reading Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
Produced by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology,
College of Education, University of South Florida ©2013.
