Word Mapping

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Reading Skills

• Clarifying words or phrases as seen in context of novel
• Organizing vocabulary acquisition through a graphic organize
• Comparing words or phrases to a known object through the use of the word like
• Furnishing antonyms and synonyms for key words
• Connecting a word's meaning to characters in the novel 

Overview of the "Word Mapping" Strategy

Students acquire and retain knowledge of vocabulary in various ways. An effective method is through word mapping, in which students enhance their understanding of key words by graphically mapping them.

For example, on the first map shown on the PDF version blackline master, students will map a word's meaning as derived from its context. Then, they will present a figurative meaning for the word by comparing it to a known object. Finally, they will connect the word's meaning to three different characters who illustrate its use. On the second map, students will study a word's meaning and then supply three antonyms, three synonyms, and three characters who illustrate its meaning.

Some key words to be defined could be family, pride, respect, hope, tenacity, knowledge, and ethics. Whatever you choose to define, connect it to one of the themes of Wish You Well. These activities should be introduced and applied in conjunction with the lesson on context clues and idiomatic expressions.

Activity for the "Word Mapping" Strategy

Prepare the students for this activity by reviewing how to clarify for meaning when confronting unfamiliar words within the context of the novel. Model a mapping process before having students map independently. Then have them map key words, using the blackline masters from the PDF version of this strategy.