Using Concept Circles to Build Vocabulary and Comprehension of Text

A Concept Circle is a vocabulary strategy used to help students understand the meaning of words by thinking about how they are related. Concept Circles can be implemented in a variety of ways in the classroom. Concept Circles can be used to support vocabulary development and comprehension of a complex text. Prior to the lesson, read and analyze the text that students will be reading to determine the main ideas and concepts and how they are related to one another. Next, divide a circle into four sections, and write the four words or phrases in the circle. Before reading the text, activate students' prior knowledge of the words and concepts. Then, students will read the text, take notes, and discuss. After reading, discuss the meaning of each of the words and how they relate to one another. Ask students to name the concept that all of the words represent. To increase the difficulty of this strategy, write three related words and one word that doesn't belong. Students will cross out the word that does not belong and name the concept represented by the remaining words. Encourage students to use their Concept Circles to review meanings of key vocabulary.

Filkins, S. (n.d.). Using concept circles to develop academic vocabulary. Using Concept Circles to Develop Academic Vocabulary | Read Write Think. Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/using-concept-circles-develop