Mind MapsWhat is a mind map?A tool to help you think, learn, understand and remember.

Prepared by Julie 2006

How?

Mind maps work like the brain.

The brain does not process information in a linear process.

One idea has many associations linked to it in your mind.

Pollination

Johnny Apple Seed

Mackintosh

Apple Pie

Orchard

Apple

Key Words & Images

The system organizes notes/thoughts by

utilizing images and keywords.

The mind map helps a student see and understand complex relationships between ideas.

Memory remembers associations.

Mind maps also improve recall of information.

Mind Maps – When can we use them?

Reviewing for a test/exam

Researching a topic Note-taking Summarizing a

reading Creative writing Thesis Essay Preparing for a

presentation

Let’s Start! Always start in the centre of your page. In the centre draw/import a clear image

that represents your topic or them

Topic :Teddy A Border Collie

and his misadventure Author: Anonymous

Topic :Teddy A Border Collie

and his misadventure Author: Anonymous

Theme

Unconditional Love

Theme

Unconditional Love

Generate the keywords and ideas that are related to the story

- Mr. Beaver - Cheese-cake Bay

- Foxy - The Farmer

- Iris the Blue Heron - Joey

- Cleo the Cat - Sarah

- Xmas - Gas Station

- Play Station

Developing the Mind Map Points to remember Rules of Engagement

Print keywords in lower case lettersSubtopics radiate from the centreLink subtopics to the centre theme with arrowsCreate a visual memory aid to represent the subtopics. “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Images create an instantaneous response. Utilizing words and images engage both sides of the brainPlace related words and phrases on branches from subtopics – Ideas must be visually anchored to each individual subtopic otherwise thought is disconnected.

A few more ideas to engage the mind.

Use colour to make concepts come alive. Colour stimulates imagination and holds your attentionCreativity is key

Creativity stimulates memory

The Story Unfolds

Sarah

Cheese-CakeBay

GasStation

Farmer

Grandmother’s House

Teddy Escapes

Wise

Plan ofReturn

Help

Play StationFriendsReturn

Now your turn

Create your own mind map using the following free download.

http://www.inspiration.com/freetrial/index.cfm

Ian Falconer

Your topic is Ian Falconer – Author of Olivia

The Assignment

Use the links below to gather information and to create a mind map that summarizes who Ian Falconer is and his motivation in writing “Olivia”.

http://www.childrenslit.com/f_falconer.html http://

www.barnesandnoble.com/flash/vd.asp?PID=11416&nav=1&z=y#

Evaluating Your Mind Map

Consider the following criteria: Format Colour Content Verbosity Radiance Illustrations Neatness

Completing the assigned task --

Proceed to the following link to evaluate your work

• http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php?screen=ShowRubric&rubric_id=1095617&