Thinking Maps Idea

Hi There!
It's been a while since I've had the chance to blog.  The husband has been traveling, life with an independent toddler, back to school has kept me busy, and training for my first full marathon is consuming most of my time.  I haven't had ANY time to create freebies or products for my TPT store, but I did want to share something that worked well in my classroom this year using thinking maps and a fun book.

We read Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun to discuss student individuality and how to embrace different ways of thinking and being.  My 5th graders enjoy listening to picture books read aloud!  I will tell you this makes my heart melt since it's one of the things I miss most about being a lower grades teacher I like 5th grade, but wish I could be in 1st or 2nd grade.  

Back to Thinking Maps...Our school/county is obsessed  huge with Thinking Maps, so any opportunity you can use a map you should they would argue you can use a Thinking Map for anything, #sorrynotsorry!  We read the book and then created a Circle Map on a paper plate defining ourselves.  Thinking Maps suggest using lots of color with the maps, but most importantly to frame the map with what people/students take away from the data.  I actually sat in on a super long, could've been a few hours workshop during the teacher work days before the new year started. The focus was on making the frame of the map rigorous and relevant.  We used plates and large construction paper for our maps because of the title and events in the story.  The reading and Thinking Map was one class session and the framing information/decorating was an additional class session.  Thinking Maps are awesome and I'm hoping they make a difference with the state testing scores/growth this school year.  I have one other Thinking Map to share with you later this weekend or early next week.  I would love any thoughts/comments on my posts.  Happy Weekend until next time!