Deanna Epley

CLUSTERS
What they are
Spider web-like diagrams drawn on a sheet of paper (also known as
webs, maps, etc.)
Two types:
1. Unorganized- one center
circle stating the topic
with many rays drawn out
from the center circle
stating details or
information
2. Organized- several rays
drawn out from the center
circle stating the topic,
with main ideas
stemming from each ray
that form more circles.
Then more rays stemming
from the main idea circles with details, examples, etc. of the main
ideas
Purpose
Provide a visual representation of ideas
Brainstorm and organize ideas before and/or after reading/studying a
topic
Combine words and pictures to formulate ideas/facts
Ideas for when to use
Reading- before and after reading to make predictions, demonstrate
what is already known, demonstrate what was learned/discovered,
organize events/information from reading, etc.
Writing- brainstorming, organizing ideas before writing, etc.
Content-area topics- demonstrate knowledge before and after
learning, organizing main ideas/events in a certain topic (Examples:
Revolutionary War, Solar System, Biography, etc.)
How to use
1. Select a topic.
The students or teacher can select a topic depending on the clusters
purpose. Write the topic in the center of a circle drawn on chart paper
or a sheet of paper.
2. Design the cluster.
Decide if the cluster will be unorganized or organized. If it is organized,
have students brainstorm words or phrases that are main ideas of the
topic, and write them on rays drawn out from the center circle. Draw
another circle around those main ideas.

Deanna Epley

3. Complete the cluster.

If it is an unorganized cluster, have students draw rays from the center
circle and write words and phrases that relate to the topic. If it is an
organized cluster, have students complete the cluster by drawing rays
and writing words or phrases that relate to each main idea circle.
Teachers may need to prompt students to think of additional ideas
once theyve written all that immediately come to mind.
References
Tompkins, G.E. (2009). 50 literacy strategies: Step by step (3rd edition). Boston, MA: Pearson