H-Map Graphic Organizer

Several years ago I took an excellent workshop called Project CRISS. There were so many great student focused strategies and easy to implement ideas that I'm still using so many years later. One of them was an alternative to the tried and true Venn Diagram, called the H-Map. It's basically the same concept as the good ol' Venn...
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but it makes so much more sense! Instead of overlapping circles, the diagram is a huge H. The little center section that is nearly impossible for kids to write legibly in, is now a rectangle instead of a skinny  lemon shape. Here's an example my kids made after we discussed postcards and letters. {More coming on that lesson soon}

See how much better?? I never really use a Venn Diagram anymore, but on the rare occasion that I do, I'm instantly reminded why I hate them!  

I created one that that you can try out this month if you're studying Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It goes along with this book, which is one of my faves. It's actually written by Dr. King's sister. It tells the story of growing up as children with Martin as her brother. It's a glimpse of what he was like as a young boy. It's really a great read and one that the kids can easily relate to.

After reading, you can have the kids reflect on the book and how their life compares to that of Dr. King using this H-Map. Just click {HERE} to download from GoogleDocs.
There are a lot of other great goodies for MLK on this week's Show & Tell Tuesday, too. Click {HERE} to check it out if you missed it.

T.G.I.F. my friends!
Freebie Fridays



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23 comments

  1. Thank you! I was just doing a venn diagram yesterdy with one of my reading groups and one of the complaints were it is hard to make things fit in the 'same' section. The H is perfect! :)
    Diane

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    1. I even have a hard time writing in the Venn shape! Sometimes I would turn the paper sideways which seemed to help, but the h-map is way better :)
      Denise
      Sunny Days In Second Grade

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    1. It does, right? It's totally one of those "why didn't I thin of that" ideas!
      Denise
      Sunny Days In Second Grade

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  3. Took CRISS a couple years ago too --- LOVE the H-Maps! :o)

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    1. CRISS was awesome. I'd like to take it again if I ever get the chance. I have to take time to look through the materials again. I know there are some great things I'm forgetting about!

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  4. Wow!! The H is so much easier for students to write inside! Even I have trouble writing in the circles, because I just can't seem to write small enough. Thanks for the resource!!

    Teresa

    2nd Grade Pig Pen

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    1. You're welcome. I hope your kids find it easier to write in!

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  5. Yeah, yeah, yeah - I hate Venn diagrams, too! I've done three rectangles instead, but I like the H idea you've shared!
    Sara

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    1. Rectangles are better than the circles for sure. I think you'll like the Hmap once you try it! It's my go-to graphic organizer now.

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  6. What a great idea! The H map solves the major problem of the Venn Diagram! I am so going to use this in my classroom! Thanks for sharing!

    Becky
    Compassionate Teacher

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    1. You are so welcome Becky! I hope it works for you!

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  7. Thank you! The H map makes so much more sense. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. You are so welcome Sheila! It does make more sense, right? Enjoy!

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  8. What the H? --- this is brilliant! Thanks, Denise.

    Barbara

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  9. Love that H Diagram!!! It's the little things that make life so much easier! Thanks for sharing, Denise!

    Halle
    Across the Hall in 2nd Grade

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  10. Yay! I use the H diagram all the time compare and contrast! More room and since I teach 4th, it just makes sense to graduate them from the Venn!! Love it!! Thank you for the freebie!!

    Amanda
    Collaboration Cuties

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    1. You are so welcome Amanda. Cute blog, I'm your newest follower! :)

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  11. I love this Denise! This is perfect for my Firsties who still have HUGE handwriting. It is the little things like this that help make our day better. Thank you so much for sharing. =)

    Heather
    Heather's Heart

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    1. You are so welcome Heather! I hope your firsties find it easier to use. I know my kids do for sure :)

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  12. What a smart idea! I will use this in my class. My second graders always have such a hard time writing in the middle of the Venn Diargram. I just started following you, love your blog!!
    Tiffany
    crazyaboutsecond.blogspot.com

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  13. I agree, venn diagrams are awful. I never use them. I usually use a Box and T graph, but I may have to try this H graph!

    Erica
    Blooming In First

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