Word Wheel

Science/Social Studies

Children will use a wheel form to show parts or examples of a topic.

What You Need

• Paper
• Pencil

What To Do

1. Draw a model of a Word Wheel on the chalkboard. It should have a small central circle—the hub—and six spokes radiating to a large outer circle.
2. Explain to children that they can use the Word Wheel to show a topic and examples of that topic. As a model, write "Mammals" in the hub. Then have children name six kinds of mammals. Write their responses along the spokes or outside the wheel where each spoke ends.
3. Have children work alone or with partners to create their own Word Wheels. Suggest that they think of a broad science or social studies topic, such as: Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Weather, Countries, Cities, National Parks, or Presidents.
4. Invite children to find examples of their topic in an encyclopedia, atlas, or other reference book. Point out that they can include as many spokes and examples as they choose.
5. Children can illustrate their Word Wheels, if they wish, inside or outside the wheel.
6. Display children's completed Word Wheels in the classroom.