Getting to Know You Circle Maps

The first week of school, third grade students created Circle Maps about themselves. We used these maps to get to know our new teachers, classmates, and friends. 

What are Circle Maps?

Circle Maps are tools used to help define a thing or idea. It is used to brainstorm ideas and for showing prior knowledge about a topic. In the center of the circle, use words, numbers, pictures, or any other sign or symbol to represent the object, person, or idea you are trying to understand or define. In the outside circle, write or draw any information that puts this thing in context.

Circle Maps are just one of the Thinking Maps students will use this year.  Thinking Maps integrate thinking skills and mapping techniques. Learning to use these strategies helps students develop good writing skills. These techniques also help students become better learners as they develop life-long skills that help them to study.  Thinking Maps uses basic mental operations involved in perceiving, processing and evaluating information. They describe, classify, and sequence.