Notes for Introductory Comments

• The Textmapping Project:
  • non-profit web site for teachers.
  • focus: improving reading comprehension and content-area instruction across the curriculum.
• Textmapping is a graphic organizer technique. It can be used for a variety of instructional purposes.
  • scrolls and colored markers.
  • intensive marking.
  • lots of moving around.
  • low-tech and paper-based, but absolutely relevant to reading on the web (page-based reading).
  • inexpensive to implement (photocopies, markers, tape).
  • Most important:
    • Textmapping is a true pre-reading technique. It can be used before reading a single word (c.f. semantic mapping).
    • links comprehension directly to the text ("Where does it say that?" c.f. semantic mapping, prior knowledge, text connections, etc., where the linkage is indirect).
• Textmapping emphasizes spatial skills and supports global learning styles:
  • visual.
  • tactile.
  • kinaesthetic.
• Textmapping can be used in mainstream, LD, and ESL classrooms; Elementary through Adult education.
• Here's what we're going to do today:
  • I'll demonstrate Textmapping.
  • You will try it (textbook mapping exercise).
  • Play a Textmapping game (fun, useful learning tool).
  • Discuss the exercise, the game, and Textmapping.
  • Questions/Evaluate this presentation.
• Handout copies: http://www.textmapping.org/teacherTraining.html