Major focus area

Speech Therapy -> Expressive Language

Short description

Semantic mapping technique is a language intervention approach that uses schematic diagrams of critical information and related ideas, consisting of words, phrases, or pictures in networks that emphasize the relationship among concepts (Pehrsson & Denner, 1988).

Long description

Semantic Mapping technique is a language intervention approach that uses schematic diagrams of critical information and related ideas, consisting of words, phrases, or pictures in networks that emphasize the relationship among concepts. Method: Using a visual thinking tool to relay knowledge, both prior and learned, about vocabulary word and/or story information:

1. SLP selects the topic.
2. Brainstorm words or topics related to the subject.
3. Write down all of the words generated during the discussion categorize and label the words.
4. Categorize the words.
5. Provide reasoning for category placement and/or deletion of words/ideas written down.
6. Group words based on meaningful associations. Semantic mapping can be used for pre-reading preparation, post reading review, writing and vocabulary development.

(Pehrsson & Denner, 1988)