Life Maps produce writing topics and aid in reading comprehension
At the beginning of the year, look to provide students with ways to brainstorm potential writing topics based on personal life experiences. Have students draw a life map plotting places, people, holidays, vacations, events, and milestones in their lives for as far back as they remember. Give students 11×17 paper and colored pencils or markers to begin drawing their life maps. Each of these “destinations” has the potential to be a topic for a personal narrative writing. When presenting this mini-lesson, reveal your own life map to give students an idea of what one looks like.
READING CONNECTION:This strategy would also work as a plot map for reading literature. For the visual learners, they can maintain a map of what is happening in the novel/chapter book. The plot map could include small pictures or icons with key words or phrases that document the events, actions, climax, and resolution of the plot. Some teachers also suggest students note the page numbers for each of the plotted events on the story map. This makes for a great after-reading summary!
SOCIAL STUDIES CONNECTION: This same strategy could be used in plotting events in history. What a great way to bring a timeline to life!