What Is the Concept of Definition (Word) Mapping?

Teaching a child a new word is more than merely teaching pronunciation and spelling. Learning vocabulary involves learning the meaning of a new word or concept, its definition and being able to properly use the vocabulary taught. In order to teach effectively, educators have developed different tools to assist students in the learning process. One of these tools is the definition or word map.

What It Is

A definition or word map is a graphic rendering of a word's meaning. Typically, it has the form of having the vocabulary word in the central portion of the graphic organizer, and three separate sections for the three main questions about the word linked to it.

How It Helps Students Learn New Vocabulary

By using the graphic organizer that makes up the definition/word map, students are able to relate the new vocabulary to other terms and concepts they are already familiar with, thus helping them to incorporate the new vocabulary into their knowledge base.

What Is It?

"What is it?" is one of the questions linked to the new vocabulary in the center of the graphic organizer to help the student relate the term to existing knowledge. For example, for the term "doll," this question would be answered with toy or plaything.

What Is It Like?

"What is it like?" is answered with a description of the term. A doll would be described as a play baby or a play model to dress with different clothes.

What Are Some Examples?

"What are some examples?" is a question for which students think about what they know about the term and apply it to those things that fit the description and meaning. Examples of dolls would be a Barbie and Cabbage Patch doll.

References

• "Teaching Children to Read: Putting the Pieces Together," 4th ed.; D. Ray Reutzel and Robert B. Cooter Jr; 2004