Venn Diagrams; They're Not Just Circles Anymore

Venn diagrams can be a wonderful teaching tool. Taking into consideration, the diversity of learners we have in any given classroom; the more ways you can use to show information, the better. Many learners are visual, and the Venn diagram allows children to see how to compare and contrast information in a way other than narrative. Children enjoy not only the visual aspects of the Venn diagram but the drawing and movement involved.

Creating Venn diagrams with rope, play dough, chalk on the pavement or paint on paper frees up both the teacher and the learners to find new and exciting ways to show how versatile this diagram can be. The more ways the diagram is produced the more students will be able to tap into the individual learning styles.

Venn diagrams also incorporate higher level thinking skills. When children are asked to compare, contrast and form a judgment based on information, they are reaching beyond the lower levels of thinking. The more that critical thinking takes place, the more it will be used in other areas and that is a win-win scenario.

Creativity and an understanding of how Venn diagrams can be used should be a wonderful motivator for educators to incorporate this tool into their teaching. It is something that can be used across the curriculum, therefore allowing students to make connections between subjects and everyday life.

Patience while teaching with the Venn diagram is essential. It can be confusing at first and it is best to always begin with information that your students are familiar with; an example of this might be comparing favorite pets. Choose something as basic as cats and dogs, place the names of students who like cats better in one circle while dog lovers go in another. Hmmm...What about those that cannot decide? Here is the perfect segue into the middle connecting circle. Children love these kinds of learning experiences, mainly because they are not even aware they are learning.

Look through your home, dollar stores, garage sales and similar places and you will be amazed at the items you can find to design Venn diagrams. Have your class begin their own collection of items as well. These items will come in handy both to build the diagram and for sorting and counting. The Venn diagram is an excellent way to build higher thinking skills while finding enjoyment in the process.