Literacy Strategy
Concept circles
How to use concept circles
Draw circles divided into four sectors. Each sector stores information about a concept such as the term, the definition written out in full, the symbol, and the name of the unit OR in each section there is a word associated with the topic and connected in some way with the other words in the circle.
The teacher fills in two or three of the sectors and the students work independently to fill in the missing information AND work out and explain what the relationship is between the words/ information.
The students then work in pairs discussing answers using the language of the curriculum area. The students focus on the answers that are different and also on the reasoning behind the answers that are the same. This is followed by full class discussion if needed.
The benefits of concept circles
Concept circles can be used at the beginning of a unit to clarify to both students and teacher what is known and what needs to be learned. They can be used during and at the end of a unit for revision. A visual summary of concepts can be a useful memory prompt.
Example of concept circles
Year 11 Science (Physics: Forces, Motion and Energy)
Source: Barbara Mcgowan @ ESOL online
concept circles template
Examples of use in mathematics
Professional Reading
How to Keep Kids Engaged in Class
Concept circles
How to use concept circles
Draw circles divided into four sectors. Each sector stores information about a concept such as the term, the definition written out in full, the symbol, and the name of the unit OR in each section there is a word associated with the topic and connected in some way with the other words in the circle.
The teacher fills in two or three of the sectors and the students work independently to fill in the missing information AND work out and explain what the relationship is between the words/ information.
The students then work in pairs discussing answers using the language of the curriculum area. The students focus on the answers that are different and also on the reasoning behind the answers that are the same. This is followed by full class discussion if needed.
The benefits of concept circles
Concept circles can be used at the beginning of a unit to clarify to both students and teacher what is known and what needs to be learned. They can be used during and at the end of a unit for revision. A visual summary of concepts can be a useful memory prompt.
Example of concept circles
Year 11 Science (Physics: Forces, Motion and Energy)
Source: Barbara Mcgowan @ ESOL online
concept circles template
Examples of use in mathematics
Professional Reading
How to Keep Kids Engaged in Class
