That’s because semantic maps offer a visual way of viewing “meaning-based connections between a word or phrase and a set of related words or concepts” (source: Reading Rockets).
Semantic mapping is a visual strategy for vocabulary expansion and extension of knowledge by displaying in categories words related to one another” (Kholi and Sharifafar, 2013). These almost graphic organizers are not pre-made, but made by the students to help “web” out their ideas. [Semantic maps] build on students’ background knowledge or schema. While drawing on prior knowledge, it recognizes important components and shows the relationships among them” (Kholi
and Sharifafar, 2013) as cited in Vocabulary and Fluency Classroom Strategies.
As we work throughout the next hour, make a word map that captures words you may be unfamiliar with. Add them to your list of words to explore, then draw connections. Are you a sketchnoter? Fantastic, draw some pictures. If not, start with a circle (or square/oval/rectangle) in the middle then begin adding content.
As you discover new ideas, add them. As you find connections between concepts, move the words or concepts around.