- For non-fiction texts the mind map should contain the main idea in the center, branching out to supporting ideas or facts. Each of the supporting facts can also contain branches to further add information as it relates to the main idea. If using a mind map for a fiction text, students should be asked to use the center of the mind map for the title of the book or piece of text. The related concepts that connect to the title may include characters, setting, plot, events, etc. Each of these related concepts may also then branch out to other story details or student inferences.
- To introduce the concept to your students you may want to model creating a mind map during a read aloud. Students will be able to learn from your "think alouds" (Davey, B. (1983) as an introduction to the strategy. As students become more familiar with the strategy you can extend the modeling to each student completing their own mind map on a shared text. Eventually, through gradual release of responsibility, students will be able to complete their own mind map while independently reading a text.
- As a way to support understanding and improve reading comprehension teachers may want to require students to complete a mind map as part of a review or culminating assignment. This is a strategy that is beneficial when used both in formative and summative tasks. A mind map can be a great way for students to display their thinking and what they learned from reading a text.
- To further aid your students' mind mapping, you may want to employ the use of technical applications for mind map creation. Text2MindMap and Bubbl are both free web-based mind map generators. There is also an app available for the iPod Touch and iPad, iMindMap Mobile Pro, which allows users to create their mind maps directly on the device, save and sync to a computer.
- Teachers can get their own creative juices flowing with this wonderful “how-to” from thoughtwrestling .com.
However you decide to use mind mapping in your classroom, you are sure to see results in even the most hard-to-reach students. Keep it a light-hearted activity and you will reap many rewards.