We've seen that maps are simply templates that offer a graphic presentation of related concepts. Mapping can be used in group activities to get everyone involved and contributing. As a result, they turn a valuable but otherwise boring activity like pattern writing or other repetitive exercises into an energetic game. Review the standard mapping process first, if you are not familiar with it.

Step 1: Ask a simple question, such as, "What do you see in this room?" The question will form the sentence template. The key word—in this case, "room"—should be written in the center of the map and circled, as in the illustration below.

Step 2: As children suggest answers to the question, write the words outside the circle and repeat the entire sentence aloud each time.

"In the room I see a door."
"In the room I see a desk."
"In the room I see a book."

And so on.

For young kids, try drawing pictures instead of writing words, or do both. You can still work on language and sentence patterns even if they can't read well yet.

Step 3: Once you feel that you've worked on this pattern enough, draw a circle around the answers and ask a second question, one that builds on the first and adds more sophistication (in this case, "What are its parts?") Again, write the answers outside the new, larger circle. Once you've collected a sufficient number of ideas from the kids—perhaps a handful for each object—"connect the dots" by reading sentences aloud, moving from the inside to the outside circles and having the children repeat after you.

"In the room I see a door with a knob."
"In the room I see a door with a window."
"In the room I see a desk with legs."
"In the room I see a book with a cover."

And so on.

Energy! Energy! Energy! Even though this is a simple pattern writing exercise, what will make it fun is that a lot of people are doing it together and making noise. Plus, kids are the ones creating the sentences rather than reading someone else's patterns. Work fast, make jokes and don't stand in one place for too long.

Step 4 and beyond: Don't stop now. Move on to a new map with a new sentence pattern and new questions. Plan sentences that work on particular language areas, such as using prepositions or plural forms. Don't carry it on too long, however, since anything can get old after a while. This kind of work makes for good, brief everyday activities between or as part of larger projects.

Value the kids' prior knowledge. Part of drawing kids into any activity is demonstrating what they already know about a subject, so use that and build on it rather than start from scratch. When building sentence patterns, ask questions like, "What do you know about this thing?" Doing so validates their experience and builds confidence.