Categories: Art | Classroom Management | ESL | History | Learning Techniques & Templates | Math | Music | Reading & Writing | Science
Estimated Time: 30-40 minutes
Materials Needed: Post-it® Super Sticky Notes, Post-it® Easel Pads, Pencil, Markers, Cluster Map Template, Non-Fiction Texts
Materials Needed:
- Post-it® Super Sticky Notes
- Post-it® Easel Pads
- Pencil
- Markers
- Cluster Map Template
- Non-Fiction Texts
Description:
Students use cluster charts to describe characters from books or stories they’re reading.
Instructions:
Step 1: Introduce the idea that a cluster map can be used to collect information from a text. Select a main idea, key word phrase, or character from the text with which the students are familiar with. Place the name on a large Post-it® Super Sticky Note in the center bubble of a cluster map. Display an enlarged drawing of a cluster map on the Post-it® Easel Pad.
Step 2: Have the students brainstorm words on the board that describe this main idea, key word phases or character, and record their words on the Post-it® Super Sticky Notes. Decide with the students where the Post-it® Super Sticky Notes should be sorted and place them on the cluster map in the appropriate circles. Once all of the Post-it® Super Sticky Notes have been placed on the Post-it® Easel Pad discuss with the students the process they needed to identify key ideas and related Post-it ® Super Sticky Notes.
Step 3: Organize students into small groups of three to four. Distribute an enlarged copy of the cluster map with two different color pads of Post-it® Super Sticky Notes to each small group of students. Tell the students that they are going to read an informational text and write down main ideas, key words and important facts on Post-it® Super Sticky Notes placed in the circles.
Step 4: The cluster map they created can help them outline a brief oral report in their subject topic.
Afterwards:
Objective: Students will use a cluster mapping organizer with Post-it® Super Sticky notes to demonstrate comprehension of informational text.
Evaluate The Activity: Students are introduced to the idea that a cluster map can be used to collect information that describes a main idea or key ideas from a text. The cluster map allows students to focus on organizing informational texts. Students can add more circles to their cluster maps.
Lesson Extensions: Have students use a cluster map with Post-it® Super Sticky notes to teach new vocabulary words by using illustrations, drawings, or picture symbols to help their comprehension. Have students use a different graphic organizer but their same Post-it® Super Sticky Notes. This will expand their knowledge about arranging and organizing research data collected. In science, use cluster for vocabulary terms. In social studies, use the cluster map to for main events in history using Post-it® Super Sticky Notes.
Supporting All Learners: Display the class-produced cluster map as a reference. Students draw a picture at the center of the cluster map, illustrating their summaries. Allow students who are unable to organize information using a graphic organizer to dictate information to an aide. The aide in turn writes it on Post-it® Super Sticky Notes and then shows students where the notes should be placed on the graphic organizer. Pair students who are unable to organize information using a graphic organizer with other students who are able and have them work together.
Assignment/Home Connection: Have each student to prepare a cluster map using Post-it® Super Sticky Notes for a character in a book he or she is reading. Students may later use the completed cluster map when making a class presentation or writing a report.
