Last Update: Jan 03, 2023
This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!
Asked by: Kathleen Wisozk
Score: 5/5
(31 votes)
Semantic mapping or semantic webbing, in literacy, is a method of teaching reading using graphical representations of concepts and the relationships between them.
What is semantic map example?
Semantic Maps — Graphic Organizers
Semantic maps help students identify, understand, and recall information when they read in a text. (http://readingrockets.org) There are many different kinds of semantic maps. Some examples are thinking maps, mind maps, bubble maps, and concept maps.
Is the Frayer model a semantic map?
One variation of a semantic map that has been proven to be useful and effective is the Frayer Method or Model.
What is semantic mapping strategy?
Semantic mapping is a strategy for graphically representing concepts. A semantic word map allows students to conceptually explore their knowledge of a new word by mapping it with other related words or phrases similar in meaning to the new word. … Strands: subordinate ideas that help explain or clarify the main concept.
How can semantic mapping be used as a pre reading strategy?
The purpose of creating a map is to visually display the meaning-based connections between a word or phrase and a set of related words or concepts. Semantic maps help students, especially struggling students and those with disabilities, to identify, understand, and recall the meaning of words they read in the text.
33 related questions found
What is semantic vocabulary?
Vocabulary is the words a child has in their brain store of words (lexicon). Semantic skills refers to the child’s ability to understand the words they possess and their ability to use them appropriately.
What does semantics deal with?
Semantics is the study of the meaning of words and sentences; at its simplest, it concerns with the relation of linguistic forms to non-linguistic concepts and mental representations in order to explain how sentences are understood by the speakers of a language.
What are examples of semantics?
semantics Add to list Share. Semantics is the study of meaning in language. It can be applied to entire texts or to single words. For example, «destination» and «last stop» technically mean the same thing, but students of semantics analyze their subtle shades of meaning.
What are semantic skills?
Semantic skills include naming, categorising, understanding and recognising different words, defining words, synonyms and antonyms, and understanding multiple meanings (e.g. fly (verb) / fly (noun)). Semantic knowledge has a profound impact on students’ overall language development and success at school.
How do you teach semantics?
Strategies To Build Your Learner’s Ability To Understand Semantic Structures
- understand signifiers.
- recognize and name categories or semantic fields.
- understand and use descriptive words (including adjectives and other lexical items)
- understand the function of objects.
- recognize words from their definition.
- classify words.
What is a Freya model?
The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer for building student vocabulary. This technique requires students to define target vocabulary and apply their knowledge by generating examples and non-examples, giving characteristics, and/or drawing a picture to illustrate the meaning of the word.
What is Frayers model?
A FRAYER MODEL is a graphic organizer that helps students determine or clarify the meaning of vocabulary words encountered while listening, reading, and viewing texts. It is used before reading to activate background knowledge, during reading to monitor vocabulary, or after reading to assess vocabulary.
What is Spider map?
Spider Map | NCpedia. Definition: A graphic organizer used to describe the attributes and functions of a central idea or theme. Each central theme has four or more branches to organize details, resembling a spider.
What is the best example of the semantic web?
Examples include Best Buy, BBC World Cup site, Google, Facebook and Flipboard. Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and Yandex agree on Schema.org, a vocabulary for associating meaning to data on the web. The vocabulary is defined by a community process.
What is semantic reading?
Definition of Semantics
Semantics is one of the important branches of linguistics, and deals with interpretation and meaning of the words, sentence structure, and symbols. It deals with the reading comprehension of the readers, in how they understand others and their interpretations.
How do you use semantic in a sentence?
Semantics in a Sentence ?
- When you made a profanity-filled rant about me, the semantics were pretty clear.
- Only a computer programmer can understand the semantics behind that line of code.
- Mrs. …
- Because Henri came from a different culture than Harold, he did not always grasp the semantics of the words Harold spoke.
What is semantic word knowledge?
Well, semantic word knowledge is the range of words a person knows and understands, and can use in sentences, both oral and written. A more formal word to describe word knowledge is a child’s lexicon.
What is an example of semantic development?
When a child hears a word for the first time, he tries to understand the meaning using past experience, intellect, memory, etc. Children of up to one year old know the meaning of 50 to 100 words and their vocabulary grows rapidly from there.
What are the basic concepts of semantics?
We will discuss a modern concept of the Semantic triangle with its three basic components . They are: the Object (Referent), the Meaning, and the (Linguistic) Sign.
What is pragmatics in simple words?
Pragmatics is the study of how words are used, or the study of signs and symbols. An example of pragmatics is how the same word can have different meanings in different settings. An example of pragmatics is the study of how people react to different symbols. noun.
What are the main areas of semantics?
There are a number of branches and subbranches of semantics, includingformal semantics, which studies the logical aspects of meaning, such as sense, reference, implication, and logical form,lexical semantics, which studies word meanings and word relations, andconceptual semantics, which studies the cognitive structure …
How is semantics related to syntax?
Put simply, syntax refers to grammar, while semantics refers to meaning. Syntax is the set of rules needed to ensure a sentence is grammatically correct; semantics is how one’s lexicon, grammatical structure, tone, and other elements of a sentence coalesce to communicate its meaning.
What is the difference between semantics and pragmatics?
Semantics is the study of meaning, or more precisely, the study of the relation between linguistic expressions and their meanings. … Pragmatics is the study of context, or more precisely, a study of the way context can influence our understanding of linguistic utterances.
Some may have heard the term semantic map or have seen some semantic map examples already. For those that are looking to see who created a way to recall the meaning of words easily, go here. For those that want to understand more the words they read, continue forward.
Eventually, you will learn what a semantic map is, even without prior knowledge. It is a great way for children or adults to display words they read visually. It’s perfect when using diagram software to show the visual strategy.
What is a semantic map anyway?
A semantic map is sometimes referred to as webs of words. This is because it’s a visually appealing way to show how terms relate to each other. These webs of words also work in early education and are a great way for students to learn new words. At first, they can feel like a brainstorming session or a concept map.
Yet eventually, these graphic organizers are much more intuitive than at first glance. Sometimes it can relate to a spider diagram, as it forms the shape of the spider. This happens by building out a word or phrase from the center and then expanding it as much as possible.
Do common core state standards use semantic maps?
It’s become a part of education to visually display words to help with building context clues. Students create these semantic maps without prior knowledge to show where they are with the understanding of the language. It starts with a word or phrase, through vocabulary instruction and word parts to build up their library of words. Then it’s about practicing, and students learn to recall the meaning of words through this method. Then their prior knowledge expands, and they take on more complex semantic maps.
This is a visual strategy of providing vocabulary instruction and lessons instead of simply repeating words. The context is being formed here so that students learn how to retain and relate similar words. It then gets more complicated when a student compares and contrasts their semantic map. Then it’s not about relatable words and synonyms. It’s about antonyms, and new semantic maps can be created.
It’s essential to note that the common core state standards take semantic mapping as a key tool. To learn more about how it’s required for certain literacy, one can go here and read about it.
How can adults work with semantic maps?
Semantic maps are not just for students through vocabulary instruction. In fact, it can help many adults with their reading strategies and recall the meaning of words. An adult will come with prior vocabulary knowledge, so this can be done in a much more advanced setting. Adults who use semantic maps will become better speakers and better writers. They will have a chance to be stronger with their articulation and command of the English language.
For those that are looking for better reading strategies and to read faster in general, semantic maps can help. Part of what helps with a semantic map is that it compares and contrasts while building up the vocabulary. Your subconscious is then able to understand related words. As you see them on paper, you will read them faster and process them more quickly. This is the fundamentals of speed reading and truly understanding what you’re reading fast.
It also helps when learning a foreign language without prior knowledge of that language. This is certainly the case for adults who have a tougher time learning a new language. A semantic map in a new language is quite beneficial. It all starts with that word or phrase and slowly expands out. Students learn, adult or otherwise, these new vocabulary words, and their brain is programmed for retention.
As students create these semantic maps, they can then start to recall the meaning of words in a foreign language. It’s all about locating the right connections and working with the right type of tools. These tools can be pen and paper, but a better option would be a software tool.
Is a semantic map an example of visual learning?
First, what is visual learning? It’s the primary way people learn, by seeing the material and absorbing it. So yes, a semantic map is another type of visual learning. It’s a compact and powerful form of visual learning that students create to help with language learning.
The best way to achieve success with a semantic map is to continuously and consistently make one. Always take on a word you’re unsure of or a phrase that doesn’t make sense. That’s your starting point for your semantic map. From there, you can begin the comparisons of words and expand the vocabulary you’ve built with prior knowledge.
It’s not just about those synonyms but about expanding knowledge with those words. So you want to start with as vague of a word as possible and then go from there. That’s the only way a semantic map will become useful. Yet writing these semantic maps down on paper doesn’t make the best sense.
Use technology to grow your semantic maps
If you write down a semantic map on paper, you may end up losing it. You want to be able to collect the semantic maps that you’ve built as it’s easy to reference later on. That’s how students will learn, and that’s how best to remember what was built in the past and not repeated.
That’s why at Mindomo, you can create any type of chart or diagram you want, including a semantic map. It’s an intuitive and simple way to recall the meaning of words as you build out several semantic maps yourself.
You can start for free to get a feel for the software and then expand the features later on. So don’t waste the opportunity to make use of an excellent tool that will boost your knowledge and vocabulary easily.
Keep it smart, simple, and creative!
The Mindomo Team
When you get a great critical thinking exercise and pair it with a great vocabulary activity…well, let’s change their Facebook status to “in a relationship with…”
Semantic Maps are just such a pair. Let me persuade you!
Semantic Maps are a tool we use to help students to identify, understand, and recall the meaning of words they read in the text.
They’re research-based, they lend themselves to use with graphic organizers, they support struggling readers, and they are easy to use.
I’ve found that lots of teachers think they’re a great idea, but aren’t sure of exactly how to implement them in a real classroom.
? What is a Semantic Map?
- Semantic Maps are a visual strategy for teaching vocabulary.
- “Semantic” just means “related to meaning in language”, so a semantic map is essentially a “map” that connects related words.
- With Semantic Maps, students create “maps” or webs of words.
- Words are sorted into categories based on what they are, what they do, or other categories.
- Semantic Maps can be very simple, using just words grouped together, or they can be more complex, using graphic organizers or other visual structure.
- Often, the words are generated as a list and then coverted in a more visual format.
- Semantic Maps can be created on paper or digitally.
- Semantic Maps can be created individually, in small groups, or as a whole class activity.
- Semantic Maps are dynamic. Students can add to their maps as they learn more information and gather more words.
Do Semantic Maps sound like something that could be useful to your students? I’d love to tell you more about exactly how they work in class.
? How are Semantic Maps different from graphic organizers?
First, let’s look at what they’re not.
While Semantic Maps may use a graphic organizer to arrange the words, Semantic Maps go beyond just a graphic organizer.
The don’t ask students to recreate already mastered/learned information.
They ask students to think, “What do I know related to this? What does this make me think of?”
Their strength is that they build on students’ current schema or understanding, allowing those neural pathways to fire up.
Here’s an example of a graphic organizer I created using Smart Art in PowerPoint. This has one “right” answer, doesn’t it? If a student put anything else under “legislative”, we’d be worried, wouldn’t we?
Here’s a Semantic Map over the same topic. In this case, I just gave the student the word “Government” in the center, along with the three branches of government. The student then created the Semantic Map, generating lots of words related to those three areas. This was also created using Smart Art and shapes in PowerPoint:
Do you see the difference? We’re still looking at branches of government, but we’re going to get different results from different students.
It requires less rote recall and more thinking.
I’ll be coming back to graphic organizers later.
? How do I teach students to use a Semantic Map?
When introducing Semantic Maps to students, I find it’s best to guide them in two processes: generating words and then grouping or categorizing those words.
For example, let’s say we’ve just had a lesson on the structure of the cell. For a review, I could write the term “cell structure” on the board (or screen) and ask students to think of all the words they can think of related to cell structure.
Tell them to think of words that:
- define what we’re talking about
- describe what we’re talking about
- tell the purpose of what we’re talking about
- give information about what we’re talking about
I could do this as a whole class activity, have students work in pairs or groups, or have students work individually.
Once we had a list of words and terms, I would ask them to sort those words into groups. I can either give them categories, or I can have them come up with categories on their own.
If students are coming up with their own categories, tell students that to this, they need to think about ways in which the words are alike and ways which they are different.
Once they’ve grouped their words, they come up with a word or term that describes the group.
If I’m giving students the categories, I will simply tell them what they are and have students sort their words into the category in which they think they fit. That’s what I did in the government example above.
For my cell structure example, I’d give students the categories Nucleus, Cytoplasm, and Cell Membrane.
You can use Semantic Maps as a simple daily activity that takes only a few minutes, or you can have students work with them to create a visually pleasing representation.
? Semantic Maps Step-by-Step
There’s no one right way to use Semantic Maps (you’ve already seen a couple of ideas here), but I did want to share a sample idea that is a great way to get started if you’re unfamiliar with the strategy.
- Choose a word from the text you’re using. This could be a textbook, a story, or any other part of your curriculum.
- Write that word on the board or using a digital tool. Just make sure everyone can see it.
- Have students look at the text that’s near that word to see if there are any words that are connected to this target word.
- You may wish to have students look up the word in a dictionary or thesaurus (that would add to the standards addressed!).
- Brainstorm words the class can come up with that are related or connected to this word in some way. Remember, these should not only include examples of the word (“cat” is an example of an animal, for example), but also what the things can do. For instance, “can fly” or “can run”.
- Once you have a robust list of words, then you do the categorization. Remember, you can give categories or you can have students generate categories.
- Now, transform these into a map. This can be a circle with spokes coming off of it or a more formal graphic organizer.
Here’s an example of a simple one generated after a discussion of verbs.
? How can I use Semantic Maps with technology?
You’ve seen above how you can use PowerPoint to create Semantic Maps. There are other tech tools that work, as well.
This table lists some possible tech tools, with the pros and cons of each.
| TOOL | COST | PROS | CONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| PowerPoint/ Keynote | Free | Students probably familiar with it; very flexible; easy to convert to other formats (images or PDFs); SmartArt has built-in graphic organizers | Harder to integrate with other platforms (uploading, etc.); difficult to collaborate; takes more time than some other tools. |
| Google Slides | Free | Same as PowerPoint except Smart Art | Not as powerful as PowerPoint, so fewer possibilities. |
| Google Draw | Free | Very similar to Google Slides, except a little more flexible | Students are usually less familiar with this than other Google tools. |
| Google Jamboard | Free | Built for collaboration; easy to use; easy to share; easy to add images; no need to own software | Students may be less familiar with this than other Google tools. |
| Bubbl.us | Freemium (free & paid versions | Built for collaboration; browser-based, so no software to download or install; low-distraction interface; easy to share; easy to present with | The free version is very limited, which gets frustrating very quickly. |
| Mindmup.com | Freemium (free & paid versions) | Easily converts to PDF, PowerPoint, or outlines; easily save to Google Drive; add images or even documents; easy to share | Students and teachers are usually unfamiliar with it, so there will be a learning curve. |
? What are the benefits of using a Semantic Map?
Semantic Maps are particularly useful for students who are struggling or who are English Learners, but they work really well with everyone.
First, we have the creativity side. One of the Torrance Traits of Creativity is Fluency – coming up with lots of ideas.
That’s the first part of what we do with a Semantic Map.
Next, we have the added strength of categorizing. Sorting and categorizing are powerful tools. We see it in little children sorting blocks, but the power of dividing things into categories or groups isn’t something that ends in Kindergarten.
We can have students come up with their own categories, or we can give them the categories we want them to use (as I demonstrated above).
If we really want to up the ante, we can have them create new categories and recategorize all of the words. That’s super fun!
Another benefit of Semantic Maps is that they are a no-prep activity. Nothing to print out. Nothing to copy. Just minds and something on which to write. It just doesn’t get easier than this.
? How do Semantic Maps work with graphic organizers?
While you don’t need to use a formal graphic organizer to create a Semantic Map, they go very well together.
Almost any graphic organizer can be used as a Semantic Map.
If you use Thinking Maps®, then a Bubble Map® or a Double Bubble Map® would be my first choice.
The key is to pick a graphic organizer that works for the students, so it’s less about what it looks like and how effective it is in helping them create a visual represenation of their thinking.
You’ve got a few options:
- Give students a particular graphic organizer that you want them to use
- Give students a few graphic organizers they can pick from to use
- Have students generate their own graphic organizer
- Let students search for a graphic organizer
The most important thing is to not let the organizer become more important than the thinking!
? How do Semantic Maps align with standards & research?
Semantic Maps have been studied in research, and those studies have shown some strong benefits.
Semantic Maps are a part of the group of “[i]nstructional activities that allow for a visual display of words and promote students’ comparing and contrasting of new words to known words [that] can be a beneficial means for increasing their vocabulary knowledge” (Rupley, Logan, & Nichols, 1998).
As we practiced above, Semantic Maps not only identify important ideas, but they also show the relationships among those words and ideas (Kholi, & Sharifafar, 2013).
That’s where research shows their power lies.
As far as standards, clearly they address some of the CCSS ELA standards, such as:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
But you also see them apply in math standards such as:
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.2.B
Identify parts of an expression using mathematical terms (sum, term, product, factor, quotient, coefficient); view one or more parts of an expression as a single entity.
If you’re using Next Gen Science Standards, Semantic Maps are a strategy for Crosscutting Concepts, as students begin to recognize the patterns.
These are just examples. Whatever standards system you’re working with, Semantic Maps fit beautifully.
? How do I use Semantic Maps in Writing?
Semantic Maps can be used to organize thoughts before writing, creating a structure students can follow. They are a perfect pre-writing strategy.
When students group their ideas, they can easily see where there is unbalance.
They can then add in more details where they are lacking or eliminate some where they have too many.
? Wrapping Up
Semantic Maps are a vocabulary strategy that belong in every teacher’s toolbox. I hope that after reading this you feel confident in giving them a try.
There’s no “wrong” way to do them and the rewards are terrific, so go ahead and see how they work with your students.
Like anything else, it may take a few tries until you (and your students) feel comfortable.
Pretty soon, the strategy will be second nature to you! ?
? You May Also Like:
- Playing with Concept Cubes to Teach Vocabulary
- Teaching Vocabulary with Depth and Complexity Frames
- Harry Potter Sorting Hat Vocabulary Strategy
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What is a Semantic Map | Learn to Make and Strategize Using the Sample Ones Here!
A comprehensive semantic map example will be a great help in making one for yourself, right? We know how difficult it is to create a semantic map without knowing why and what it is for. With that being said, let us first distinguish why others make one for themselves and how it helps them. First and foremost, based on studies, semantic mind mapping has been proven to be an effective method in assisting students in improving or expanding their vocabulary skills. How? For example, you are learning new words or even a new language. You will quickly identify and memorize the terms related to the unfamiliar word you are learning through a semantic vocabulary map.
In addition, this method also helps medical students identify faster medical terms that are difficult to understand. This is also true in solving problems in many different aspects. Thus, if you want to know more about the semantic map and how to create one, pursue reading the contents below.
- Part 1. Extended Knowledge About Semantic Map
- Part 2. 3 Educational Semantic Map Examples
- Part 3. The Top 4 Trusted Semantic Map Makers
- Part 4. Questions with Regards Semantic Map
Part 1. Extended Knowledge About Semantic Map
What is the Semantic Map?
A semantic map is a graphical form of categorized information via graphic organizing or webbing of related words and phrases. On the other hand, the semantic mapping definition is a strategy where the students’ knowledge and vocabulary can be widened by identifying and recalling terms quickly through visual representations.
Furthermore, semantic mapping has been new to others, for it is also correlated to networking, concept mapping, plot mapping, and webbing.
Part 2. 3 Educational Semantic Map Examples
1. Vocabulary Semantic Map
This is the most used semantic map of the students, especially the communications ones. Moreover, as mentioned previously, this map shows the related precision of the main topic, which the readers can easily recall. As the simple sample is given below, the term is foreign without a direct translation. On the semantic map example, the attributes that will help the reader get the meaning are the ones that are anchored to the term.
2. Transportation Semantic Map
This kind of semantic map will be very beneficial if you educate kids about the different types of transformation; land, air, and water. Furthermore, you can always add some cute sample images on each part to help the kids boost their imagination.
3. Medical Semantic Map
A semantic map will also be a great help in reviewing and teaching medical terms effectively. Furthermore, this kind of semantic mapping speech is a part of therapy for those who are taking medications due to their heart problems or others alike. With this being said, many practitioners are turning to semantic maps to make their thoughts and explanations clearer to their patients.
Part 3. The Top 4 Trusted Semantic Map Makers
In creating a semantic map, you should keep in mind that it should have essential parts. First, you must have the subject matter that will be your starting point and the reason why you are creating one. Next, since the map needs to be branched out, you must add nodes where you will mark your sup-topics because that’s what is semantic mapping strategy is all about.
In addition, you may also consider adding some icons, images, or colors to snake your semantic map radiant-looking. Finally, it would help if you had a trusted map maker to do all these things effectively. So, without any further adieu, let us all learn the 4 of the most trusted map makers of the year!
1. MindOnMap
The MindOnMap is a mind mapping tool that you can trust. It is an online tool that allows you to make different kinds of elegant and creative mind maps with the help of its multiple presets, all for free! Unlike other tools, the MindOnMap allows you to create a printable semantic map in very simple steps. Moreover, the unique part about it is that aside from its capability to export files in different formats such as SVG, PNG, JPG, Word, and PDF, it can also enable you to share your creation with your colleagues via the link! Therefore, let us all witness how this marvelous mapping tool creates a semantic map.
Initially, visit the official website at www.mindonmap.com and start working by clicking the Create Your Mind Map. Log in using your email account to create your secured mind mapping world.
To make a creative semantic map, click the New button and choose among the recommended themes and templates to start.
This tool comes with shortcuts, as you can see in the picture, to help you ease the job. It also comes with tons of Themes, Styles, Outlines, and Icons. Now click on the main and the sub-nodes to customize your map. Note that it is better not to use sentences but a keyword or phrase instead.
Be creative, and customize your nodes by changing the shape, adding images and colors. To add a photo, click the Image under the Insert portion when you click the specific node of your semantic map example. Then, you can also change the shape by going to the Style and clicking the Shape icon. The same goes for the color.
Once you are done, you can obtain the map to print or share. To do so, click the Export tab, and choose to click your preferred format. Then instantly, you will get the copy downloaded to your device. Otherwise, click the Share button to let your friends see your map via sharing the link with them.
2. MindMeister
The MindMeister is another online tool that makes semantic mapping meaningful. With its beautiful features and functionality, you can create maps instantly. However, unlike the previous tool, this MindMeister only gives limited features for its free trial version. Therefore, for you to enjoy its multiple features such as adding icons and images, colors, sharing of links, and using wonderful layouts to the fullest, you must register on its paid versions. Despite that, many are still trusting this tool. That’s why we share with you how it works through the steps below.
Go and visit the official website, and hit Create a Mind Map to start making a semantic map. On the next window, sign up using your email or your social media address. Then choose among the plans it offers.
On the main interface, customize your main topic by naming it. Then to add a node click the Plus icon next to your primary node. On the side of it, you will see the present with all the features you can enjoy.
When you have all set, click the Cloud icon next to Upgrade Now. Hit then to Export the file. Choose a format, then click whether to save the semantic map example on your device or on your Google Drive.
3. Coggle
Cheers to another online mapping tool Coggle. This mind map software enables you to create maps easily by just logging in to work on flowcharts, unlimited images and icons uploads, actual mind map collaboration, and more! In addition, this online tool allows you to access it using your Android and iOs devices. Hence, for its free trial plan, you will only be allowed to take three personal private maps.
1
Log in to your email address once you reach its page. Choose your preferred plan as you go through making the semantic map.
2
On the main interface, start adding sub-nodes from your main by clicking the Plus icon wherever direction you hover your cursor with.
3
To add an image to your node, hit the Photo icon for each node to upload.
4
Get a copy for your device by clicking the Download icon.
4. SmartDraw
Finally, is this versatile SmartDraw for all levels. Furthermore, this web tool offers multiple template tags along with its capability to share your diagrams and maps. This user-friendly online tool ranked due to its all-around features and integrations, which is why lots of people trust it when it comes to creating comprehensive semantic maps in an effortless way.
1
Log in using your Gmail account to start. On the main page, choose one among the popular templates it offers.
2
On the main interface, start creating your map by adding your sub-nodes. To do so, click the Add tabs depending on your preferred direction. Also, to add an image, go to Insert, then click the Picture to upload.
3
Finally, save the map by going to the File and choosing Save As. Otherwise, you can directly hit the Print for you to instantly produce a hard copy of this printable semantic map.
Part 4. Questions with Regards Semantic Map
1. Who can use the semantic map?
A semantic map can be used by anyone. However, it is usually used by students, teachers.
2. Who developed the semantic map?
Heimlich and Pittlman developed the basic strategy for the semantic map.
3. Can I make a semantic map regarding food?
Yes, you can! You can actually use the semantic map on different topics, including food.
Conclusion
To conclude, creating a semantic map would be fun if you used a creative and comprehensive strategy with the help of a wonderful map creator. Be more clever when creating a semantic map when you use the top 4 tools presented, especially the MinOnMap!
This is a guest blog post by Monica, a school-based SLP, is all about how to use semantic mapping & the research behind it!
Do you have students with word-finding difficulties, but are not sure where to start?
Have you talked to their parents and teachers and they really want their student or child to be able to expand on their ideas, but they really struggle with vocabulary? Do you wish you could embed another vocabulary intervention into your existing narrative therapy? Semantic mapping is here to make your life easier! Stay with me for how to follow EBP decision-making and to see if semantic mapping is a good fit for your students and their families. We’ll end with some therapy ideas for your sessions.
What is Semantic Mapping? How do you do it?
Semantic mapping is also called semantic feature analysis. We all know the term from grad school as a common form of therapy for aphasia. Semantic mapping is when you list out features related to a word. It is most commonly done using interconnected circles and charts. Using this strategy helps students/clients map out how words are related to each other and develop a deeper understanding beyond labeling (Alt et al 2004). Semantic mapping can include any words related to the target word to expand on knowledge about the target word. Examples of ways to expand on a word are: categories, physical attributes, actions, origin, emotions, and background knowledge.
What is Semantic Feature Analysis?
Semantic mapping has a lot of different names. In the research, it goes by semantic mapping and semantic feature analysis. We all know it from grad school because it’s a commonly used therapy approach for aphasia. What does the research look like for the preschool to adolescent population?
Preschool
Alt M, Plante E, Creusere M. (2004). Semantic features in fast-mapping: performance of preschoolers with specific language impairment versus preschoolers with normal language. Journal of Speech Lang Hearing Research. 407-20.
Preschool research for semantic mapping isn’t as easy to find. The research that is available points to SLI students having a more difficult time with semantic mapping than their peers.
The researchers suggested that these students are not just having a hard time labeling, but a deeper understanding of vocabulary.
Preschool students with SLI in this study had a more difficult time with actions than nouns.
School-Aged
Best W, Hughes LM, Masterson J, Thomas M, Fedor A, Roncoli S, Fern-Pollak L, Shepherd DL, Howard D, Shobbrook K, Kapikian A. (2018). Intervention for children with word-finding difficulties: a parallel-group randomised control trial. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. 20(7), 708-719.
“Combining semantic intervention with phonological intervention led to on average 4x growth in the experimental group than the control group” (Best et al. 2018).
A randomized control study looked at word-finding therapy for children with language difficulties in a school setting.
Treatment was done once a week for six weeks individually.
Note: The children in this study scored within the normal range for comprehension and did not have a diagnosis of dyspraxia, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or global delay.
Adolescents
Lowe H, Henry L, Müller LM, Joffe VL (2018). Vocabulary intervention for adolescents with language disorder: a systematic review. Int Journal of Language and Communication Disorders. 199-217.
Meta-analysis research for the adolescent population showed mixed results, but higher efficacy when using a phonological-semantic approach, with “outcomes that are better when the intervention is embedded in a wider language context such as a narrative approach.”
Overall, it looks like the research supports using semantic mapping when used hand in hand with phonological mapping. Embedding semantic-phonological mapping into a narrative approach may also improve outcomes.
Client/Student & Family Values
What are some things we can think about after we’ve selected a therapy approach to use?
Let’s look at how to incorporate the client/client’s family’s factors like values and cultural/socioeconomic factors. Consider the research when making a recommendation about service delivery to the family and making a team decision.
“Students who received services through a collaborative model had higher scores on curricular vocabulary tests than did students who received services through a classroom-based or pull-out model. Although all three services delivery models were effective for teaching vocabulary” (Thorneburg et al., 2000).
Clinical Judgement and Expertise
After you have decided that it is appropriate for your client and the client/family agrees that it is the best approach (maybe at an IEP meeting?), it’s time to use clinical judgment and expertise to think of the ways to best use this approach in therapy. Hang on tight, right after this, we’ll go over some therapy ideas!
Lowe et al. (2018) said that combining this approach with a phonological one and incorporating it in a narrative intervention has the most evidence behind it. Do you have students that would benefit from this approach? Semantic mapping lends itself to using a lot of visuals and is easy to adapt to different learning styles and support needs.
Set up a way to take baseline data and monitor progress (keep in touch with teacher/caregivers to see if it’s working).
We love working on areas that can give you more bang for your buck and have areas of overlap.
How is working on expanding vocabulary and strengthening this skill going to increase access to the curriculum and participation in the classroom for this student?
Will working on vocabulary and expanding those skills also help with socio-emotional skills for your student/client? Would this help conversational skills and general functional communication?
Last Stop: Therapy Ideas
Use your existing narrative lesson
Incorporate semantic mapping by doing a book walk and map out new words before you start reading the book. You can also stop on ages to describe objects, characters, and setting using semantic mapping (e.g., what they look like, how they feel, and what they’re doing).
Make it functional
Pick places on their school campus or from home. Add sentence frames for extra support. Ask caregivers for ideas of things that they have a difficult time expanding on or things that they frequently have a hard time naming.
Collaborate
Work with teachers to do phonological-semantic mapping for upcoming themes and activities to increase participation in class. This would be a great time to incorporate actions as target items.
Use high-interest targets
Introduce new adjectives to talk about high-interest shows or movie clips to expand language.
Make a story with new words
Make a narrative or story using new words that you have targeted to increase word exposure. The more exposures to a new word, the better!
Don’t forget to use phonological mapping
Spell out the word and sound it out to include phonological mapping to help students learn the word. You can clap out the syllables, include a word that rhymes, or other words that start with the same sound.
But how do I know if it’s working?
Last but not least! Don’t forget to take the time to review if this approach is working by comparing it to that baseline data that you took. Best et al. (2018) showed that 6 weeks of intervention was needed to show a positive effect for vocabulary intervention.
References
Alt, M., Plante, E., & Creusere, M. (2004). Semantic Features in Fast-Mapping: Performance of Preschoolers with Specific Language Impairment Versus Preschoolers with Normal Language. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research>, 47(2), 407-420.
Best, W., Hughes, L.M., Masterson, J., Thomas, M., Fedor, A., Roncoli, S., Fern-Pollak, L., Shepherd, D. L., Howard, D., Shobbrook, K., Kapikian, A. (2018). Intervention for children with word-finding difficulties: A parallel group randomised control trial. International Journal of Speech Lang Pathology. 20(7), 708-719.
Cirrin, F.M., & Gillam, R.B. (2008). Language intervention practices for school-age children with spoken language disorders: a systematic review. Language, speech, and hearing services in schools, 39(1), S110-37 .
Hadley, E. B., Dickinson, D. K., Hirsch-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2018). Building semantic networks: The impact of a vocabulary intervention on preschoolers’ depth of word knowledge. Reading Research Quarterly.
Lowe, H., Henry, L., Müller, L.‐M. and Joffe, V.L. (2018), Vocabulary intervention for adolescents with language disorder: a systematic review. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 53, 199-217.
Marulis, L. M., & Neuman, S. B. (2013). How Vocabulary Interventions Affect Young Children at Risk: A Meta-Analytic Review.Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness, 3, 223-262.
Throneburg, Calvert, Sturm, Paramboukas, & Paul (2000). A comparison of service delivery models: Effects on curricular vocabulary skills in the school setting. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 9, 10–20.