Learning new concepts or words is as much about knowledge of the words related to the concept or word as knowing the meaning of the concept or word itself.
Semantic webs / maps deepen understanding and are an important strategy to use with EAL learners.
- Write the word or concept in the middle of the board.
- You could either (a) get learners to contribute words or phrases related to the word on the board (b) get pairs or small groups to think of words or phrases related to the word in the middle of the board.
A semantic web / map is a good way to develop understanding of the levels of prior knowledge that your EAL learners have about a topic you are about to study.