Clusters

Alena Gilmore

What is it?
Clusters are diagrams that look like spider webs drawn on a sheet of paper. In the center of the
page the main topic is written and then lines are drawn out from the center to connect words and
phrases that apply to the main topic. Used in writing and content areas. They also may be referred
to as webs and maps.

Two Types

Unorganized: many lines drawn

out from the center.
Organized Clusters: several lines
are drawn out from the center
that identifies a main idea and
then lines are drawn out from
those main ideas with more
details and examples.

Unorganized Cluster

Whos it for?
Grades 3-8 and English Language Learners.

When To Use It

Organize ideas before writing a

composition
Demonstrate a students learning

Organized Cluster

How to use it?

1. Select a Topic Select a topic and write the word in the center of a circle on a piece of paper or a
chart.
2. Design the Cluster
a. Unorganized brainstorm words and phrases that relate to the topic and write them
down
b. Organized identify big ideas and write them down coming out of the center circle.
3. Complete the Cluster
a. Unorganized students read the words and phrases theyve recorded and try to
brainstorm additional ideas
b. Organized write details about each big idea.

Works Cited
Bromley, K.D. (1996). Webbing with literature: Creating story maps with childrens books.
Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Daniels, H., & Zemelman, S. (2004). Subjects matter: Every teachers guide to content-area
reading. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

Rico, G.L. (2000). Writing the natural way (rev. ed.). Los Angeles: Tarcher.