cepts share. Second, mapping sharpens students’ analytical skills as they
learn how to dissect important ideas by breaking them down into key
components. Third, by placing concepts and their components into a
simple visual framework, mapping provides students with a memorable
record of their learning and an instant study guide for the most important
terms and ideas in any unit. Figure 7.2 shows a concept definition
map for the concept known as fables.
Here’s a simple acronym-based way to teach your students how to
create concept definition maps:
Make a circle at the center of the page. Write the name of the concept
in the circle.
Add branches to your central concept that correspond to the following:
1. Category—What larger idea or unit theme is the concept part of?
For example, the concept of a bicycle is part of the larger idea of
transportation.
2. Properties—What is the important information that explains
what the concept is? List each piece of information in a separate