A Spider map (sometimes called a semantic map) is a type of graphic organizer that is used to investigate and enumerate various aspects of a single theme or topic, helping the student to organize their thoughts. It looks a bit like a spider's web, hence its name.

The process of creating a spider diagram helps the student focus on the topic, requires the student to review what they already know in order to organize that knowledge, and helps the student to monitor their growing comprehension of the topic. It also helps point out the areas where the student must investigate more (where the web is hard to fill out).

If the topic at hand involves investigating attributes associated with a single topic, and then obtaining more details on each of these ideas, use a spider diagram as your graphic organizer. The spider diagram is like a star graphic organizer with another level of detail.

For example, a spider diagram can be used to to find methods that help your study skills (like taking notes, reading, memorizing, etc.), and investigate the factors involved in performing each of the methods.

Another example is to use a spider map to prepare for a writing assignment; the student must concentrate on the main topic, list the big ideas concerning the topic, and think of the attributes/qualities/functions associated with each of these ideas.

Printouts:

Spider Diagram Printout A spider diagram with four arms (with 2 levels of detail on each).

Spider Diagram Printout A spider diagram with four arms (with 3 levels of detail on each).

Spider Diagram Printout A spider diagram with four arms (with 4 levels of detail on each).