Maison Hero

Mapping Structure Visually

From intuition to representation

A sentence is a system. Today you will make that system visible by drawing structure with boxes, arrows, or brackets. Your goal is clarity, not artistry. If someone can understand your sentence by looking at your map, you did it right.

Accountability today: submit one labeled map plus a peer clarity check and one short explanation of what your map shows.

Learning Targets and Success Criteria

Targets

  • I can represent a sentence using boxes, arrows, or brackets.
  • I can show the main structure first (the clause that holds meaning).
  • I can show how phrases attach to a clause (what connects to what).
  • I can label each part using function language (clause, phrase, connector, detail).
  • I can revise my map to make connections clearer.

Success Criteria

  • My map has a clear “main structure” that stands out.
  • Every phrase I draw has an obvious connection (no floating parts).
  • I label every part I draw and each label matches its job.
  • A peer can follow my map and restate my sentence accurately.
Structure
How parts are organized and connected.
Map
A visual showing relationships between parts.
Clause
A unit with a subject and verb (main structure).
Phrase
An attachment that adds detail or connects ideas.

Mini-Lesson: Make the System Visible

Good readers often “feel” when a sentence works. Mapping helps you prove why it works. You are not drawing art. You are drawing relationships.

Three mapping rules
Rule 1: Put the main structure first (the clause).
Rule 2: Every attachment must connect to something specific (use arrows or close placement).
Rule 3: Labels must describe the job (clause, phrase, connector, detail).

Example sentence

The scientist recorded data during the experiment.
What to show
One box for the clause. One smaller box for the phrase. One arrow that shows the phrase connects to the clause.

Flowchart connection

  • Main clause = main process (output: meaning)
  • Connector phrase = condition or context (input)
  • Arrow = connection or flow of information
Clarity test
If someone can follow your arrows and retell your sentence, your map is successful.
Check for Understanding (CFU)
In one sentence, explain what an arrow should represent in a sentence map.

Mapping Lab

Choose a sentence. Then choose a mapping style. Build your map, label every part, and run a clarity check.

Lab Controls
Place, attach, label, then check.
1) Identify parts
Write the main clause. Then list any phrases or connector parts you see.
2) Your map (text version)
Use the template generator, then edit for clarity. Use labels like: CLAUSE, PHRASE, CONNECTOR, DETAIL.
3) Clarity check
Answer these questions: What is the main structure, and what attaches to it?
4) Revision (make it clearer)
What did you change to make your map easier to follow?
System Diagram Check
Sentences are systems. Your map should show inputs (conditions or context), the main process (the clause), and the connections (arrows or placement).

Map: Draw It, Label It, Defend It

Create one clear visual map on graph paper or a whiteboard. Use boxes, arrows, or brackets. Your goal is clarity. Label every part you draw.

1
Place: draw the main clause first (center or top).
2
Attach: draw phrases separately and connect them to what they modify.
3
Label: label each part (clause, phrase, connector, detail).
4
Check: ask a peer to read your map and restate the sentence.

Submit This

Map Description (text)
Describe your visual map in words so someone could recreate it.
Labels Used
List the labels you used (example: CLAUSE, PHRASE (time), PHRASE (place), CONNECTOR).

Peer Clarity Check

  • My partner said the main structure was: ____.
  • My partner said this phrase attaches to: ____.
  • One place my partner was confused was: ____.
  • I revised my map by: ____.
Exit Ticket Frame

Exit Challenge

In one sentence, explain how mapping helps you understand structure better than reading alone. Use the words connection and clarity.