Spotlight on Strategies
Thinking Maps
Why Are Thinking Maps an Effective Route for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing?
Circle Map
Double Bubble Map
Flee Map
A Standards Connection
Many times special education students, especially English Language Learners, struggle to make written connections to the material they have learned. Below is an example of a grade level standard as well as standards from younger grades, which are often used to help bridge ability level to grade level standard exposure.
High School Standard and Spiraled-down Standards:
12.W.05 - I can plan, revise, edit, and rewrite while focusing on what is necessary for the audience and purpose of a written work
V-W-3:1: Generating and organizing ideas before writing and maintain a record of ideas (e.g. brainstorming, listing, journaling, webbing, etc.).
V-W-3:2: Using a variety of organizational strategies (e.g., outline, chart, table, graph, Venn diagram, web, story map, plot line, thinking maps, etc.)
V-W-3:6: Sequencing ideas into a cohesive, meaningful order.
V-W-3:9: Adding transitional words and phrases to the draft in order to clarify meaning.
Example: From Concept to Completion
Students will also be shown how the teachers of the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf have implemented Thinking Maps.
Students will be shown templates of commonly used class Thinking Maps, as well as a previously completed Circle Map and Flee Map.
Students will be given a copy of their "Self Awareness" Portfolio requirements as well as a completed example.
A "Non-ELA" Challenge...
The Flee Map (pictured above) is a manipulation of a standard map. ELA classes at PDSD use a modified circle map when new vocabulary is encountered. Therefore, expanding beyond the basic structure of the 8 established maps, is there a way to manipulate the maps to meet the needs of your curriculum?
Here is a link to a Pinterest page that may inspire you, have fun!
References
Gallagher, M. L. (Fall 2011). Using thinking maps to facilitate research writing in upper
level undergraduate classes. Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences Education , 2(29), 53-56. Retrieved April 7, 2017, from http://www.natefacs.org/Pages/v29no2/v29no2Gallagher.pdf
Hamilton, C. (n.d.). Thinking Maps. Retrieved April 07, 2017, from https://www.pinterest.com/Conniehamiltons/thinking-maps/
Lexington School for the Deaf. (2017, April 09). Lexington School for the Deaf- Thinking Maps. Retrieved April 09, 2017, from https://vimeo.com/150115311
Lorentz, M., & Terry, R. (2016). Thinking Maps: Circle Maps [Google Docs].
Lorentz, M. (2017). Thinking Maps [Google Docs].
Long, D., & Carlson, D. (Fall 2011). Mind the Map: How Thinking Maps Affect Student Achievement. An On-Line Journal for Teacher Research , 13(2), 1-7. Retrieved from file:///C:/Users/owner/Downloads/262-1952-1-PB.pdf.
Malone, H. E., & Willis, F. (n.d.). Thinking Maps at Atlanta Area School for the Deaf. Retrieved April 8, 2017, from https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Special-Education-Services/Documents/Thinking%20Maps%20ppt.pdf
Vail School District. (n.d.). Beyond Textbooks- AZ Standards. Retrieved April 07, 2017, from https://www.beyondtextbooks.org/High_School/Writing/Twelfth_Grade/Standards/12.W.05