Module: Reading As a Tool for Thinking and Learning

Activity 11

Title: Learning Tree

Module: Reading as a Tool for Thinking and Learning

Procedures for conducting the activity:

The Learning Tree is a graphic organizer that has many purposes. It helps to organize information found in texts. It can also help a student review information that has been covered in a chapter, serving as a study guide.
Using the Learning Tree handout, you will model these steps as students repeat on their handout:
1. Write the title of the reading selection at the bottom of the tree.
2. Have students read the first section of text.
3. On the branch of the tree, write the name of the section.
4. Under each branch, draw smaller twigs. On each twig, list the main ideas or important points taken from the first section.
5. Smaller lines may be drawn under each twig for new vocabulary words.
6. You will continue filling branches and twigs until the reading assignment has been completed.
Students may want to draw their own trees and add the number of branches needed for a certain chapter of text. After the Learning Tree is completed, students will have an organized way to study for the chapter test.

Facilitator’s Notes:
The Learning Tree is a graphic organizer that has many purposes. It helps to organize information found in texts. It can also help a student review information that has been covered in a chapter, serving as a study guide. Point this out to the participants.
Using the Learning Tree handout, you will model these steps as participants repeat on their handout:
1. Write the title of the reading selection at the bottom of the tree.
2. Have participants read the first section of text.
3. On the branch of the tree, write the name of the section.
4. Under each branch, draw smaller twigs. On each twig, list the main ideas or important points taken from the first section.
5. Smaller lines may be drawn under each twig for new vocabulary words.
6. You will continue filling branches and twigs until the reading assignment has been completed.

Participants may want to draw their own trees and add the number of branches needed for a certain chapter of text. After the Learning Tree is completed, show the Learning Tree Example.

Source or Copyright Information:

The Learning Tree is a strategy adapted from Ruby Payne's A Framework for Understanding Poverty training.

Materials: