Thinking Maps

Give students a thought and they'll learn for a day.  Teach them to think and they'll learn for a lifetime.

This quote is found on the website for Thinking Maps, Inc.  Thinking Maps are a tool that Mt. Island teachers and students will be using to become better learners. 

Thinking Maps are based on scientific research.  A Language for Learning (p. vi), the Thinking Maps manual, states that, "Current brain research shows that the brain is a natural pattern detector and that we store and remember knowledge in both linguistic and nonlinguistic forms." 

Thinking maps link learning to visual representations.  Each visual map is based on a specific learning process. Students use their own frames of reference and take ownership of their learning.  Students with all types of learning strengths and weaknesses can be successful using Thinking Maps.

The staff very much appreciates the PTA for helping purchase the Thinking Maps materials.

Click on each map below to see samples of work at Mt. Island Elementary.

A Circle Map defines an item in context.  It can be defined using pictures, words, phrases, or a combination of all three.

A Bubble Map describes qualities of an obect.  This object can be a person, place, thing, or idea.

A Double Bubble Map compares and contrasts qualities and ideas.

A Tree Map classifies information.  The map describes main ideas with supporting details.

A Brace Map breaks down information to show the parts of a whole.

A Flow Map sequences events.  It tells what happened and in what stages the action occurred.

A Multi-Flow Map shows causes and effects.  It helps determine what might happen next.

A Bridge Map helps people visualize analogies.  It shows relationships between ideas.