ESL Thinking Maps

Tree Maps

Tree Maps
Classify information based on similar

Qualities
Attributes
Ideas

Develop inductively or deductively

May use list form

to classify
May use details with phrases/sentences to
elaborate
Move from circle map to tree map to
organize brainstorming

Key Words
Classify
Sort
Group
Categorize
Identify main idea and supporting idea(s)
Give sufficient and related details
Kinds of
Taxonomy

Tree Maps

Name the thought process:

CLASSIFYING

Page 47

Frame of Reference
Sorting lists

Frame explains WHY they are classifying in

that way

Main idea and details

Frame identifies the sources or past

knowledge and experiences

Tree Times Three Map Activity

Divide into small groups
Choose a topic card one per group
Create a circle map of all possible

members of the topic

Create 3 tree maps classifying the same
information in 3 different ways
For each tree map put in a frame of
reference
Discuss uses in your classroom(s)

Tree Maps for ELLs

Lowest level inductively develop vocabulary

Begin with realia or pictures

Grouping determined by the student(s)
Begin with simple (dogs/cats) w/animals at top
Put away cats and ask students to group dogs by
category of choice
Teacher verbalizes language at each step

Develops vocabulary and understanding that

objects or pictures can be classified and

named based on a particular criteria

Tree Maps for ELLs contd.

Level II more sophisticated vocabulary

Provide pictures
Students sort
Teacher verbalizes
Teacher asks for other subjects/items to be
added to each sub-category
Teacher adds picture that does not fit any
category (requires students to regroup and
rename the categories to include new item)

The Tree Map for the English Learner

Use
inductively
to
build
vocabulary

(pages 74 - 75 )

Tree Maps for Ells Contd.

Classification of synonyms denotative

vs. connotative meanings

Words for women

Positive, negative, neutral, figurative language

Cognates

Cognates vs. False Cognates

The Tree Map for the English Learner

Connotative
Language

(page 77)

The Tree Map for the English Learner

Classify
Cognates
and
False
Cognates

(page 76)

Tree Maps for ELLs Contd.

Deductive - classifying specific information

from texts or other sources

Story elements

Begin with simple (Gingerbread Man)

Pictures for support
Character, setting, problem, outcome/solution
USE BOTH PICTURES AND WORDS
Scaffold to words only

The Tree Map for the English Learner

Identify
Story
Elements

(page 78 )
Academic Language

Tree Maps for Ells Contd.

Note taking: Teacher provides categories

before text is read

Writing a composition

Big idea at top (Polar Bears)

Main ideas as sub-categories (physical
characteristics, habitat, eating habits)
Elaboration under each
Different color ink for each sub-category
One paragraph for each with same color ink

The Tree Map for the English Learner

Organizing
for
Writing
a Report

(page 80)

The Tree Map for the English Learner

Identify
Essential
Information
and
Note taking

(page 79)

Tree Maps for Ells Contd.

Expressive Writing

Favorite holiday (Christmas) as heading

Students w/teacher decide categories
Students provide details
Use color-coding
Oral rehearsal with partner before writing
Lowest levels can draw pictures and then
produce orally

Backwards construction w/model essay

cut sentences apart

students place on tree map

The Tree Map for the English Learner

Organizing
for
Expressive
Writing

(page 81)

Tree Maps for Ells Contd.

Sentence construction

Brick words demonstrated or drawn (bears)

Mortar words abstract connectors (like, are)
like
(fresh) fish

Brown Bears (They)

can
stand (on two legs)
growl

look
scary
tall

Brown bears like fresh fish.

They can stand on two legs and growl.
Brown bears look scary and tall.

Complete in stages beginning with

simple/basic and moving to additional words.

The Tree Map for the English Learner

(pages 82 - 84)
Constructing
Sentences

A Growing Tree Map

Homework
Use the circle map as

a brainstorming

activity
Use the information on the circle map to
create a tree map
Use a frame of reference for both if
possible
Create multiple tree maps from one circle
map if possible
Bring BOTH to the next meeting to share
(February 3, 2010)