SOCIAL STUDIES
STRATEGIES
Concept of Definition Map
Purposes: To make connections with new words and topics and build personal
meanings by connecting the new information with prior knowledge.
Comprehension Strategy: Knowing How Words Work
Text: Narrative, Expository
Use: Before Reading
Procedure: (Begin by explaining and modeling a concept of Definition Map.)
1. Select or have student(s) select a word to be explored and place the word in the center
of the map. (Example: city)
2. Ask students to determine a broad category that best describes the word and write it in
the What is it? section. (Example: A city is a place.)
3. Have student(s) provide some words that describe the focus word in the What is it like?
section. (Examples: noisy, crowded, fast-paced)
4. Have students provide some specific examples of the word in the What are some
examples? section. (Examples: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles)
5. Have students determine a comparison. (Example: a town)
6. Discuss the Concept of Definition Map.
What is it?
What is it like?
noisy
place
crowded
A comparison
town
fast-paced
city
New York
Los Angeles
Chicago
What are some examples?
7. Read the text. Revisit the map. Make modifications or additions.
Source: Schwartz, R., & Raphael, T. (1985). Concept of definition: A key
to improving students’ vocabulary. The Reading Teacher, 39, 198-205.
Concept of Definition Map
What is it?
What is it like?
A comparison
What are some examples?