Semantic Web

Reading Comprehension

Background:

Semantic Webbing is a process of organizing and constructing a visual display of information taken from a textbook. The web shows the major concept in the story/paragraph and important elements surrounding that concept. This strategy is an effective way to help students understand and organize what they read. Webs can be very simple or complex, depending on the student’s abilities. Webs are also great tools for taking notes and studying information.

Who can Benefit:

This is an effective strategy for primary through secondary ages. It is especially effective for students who benefit from visual aides. Students with learning disabilities are more apt to acquire and retain information if it is presented in both an auditory and visual fashion.

Procedures:

1. Have the student read aloud a paragraph from selected book or read a short story.
2. On the board or on a piece of paper, draw the center body of the web. Ask the student, “Who was the main character of the story?” or “What was the main subject of the paragraph?” This information goes into the main body of the web.

      3. Ask the student to recall any important events/details that happened in the story or selected paragraph. Write these events down as extensions of the web.

    4. The same procedures can be followed for the next paragraph/story. To increase independent thinking and working, let the student fill in a web for the next paragraph/story and then share with teacher or peers.

ETSU Make a Difference Project, 2002-2003