Mind Maps!
Student Work
on Display!
BOSTON -- From the moment I put the first staple into my first mind map, a stream of creative and curious teachers came my way to learn the educational benefits of mind-mapping.
Last Saturday was my first time demonstrating at an NCTE Conference, and my "poster presentation" was a success. The thrilling and invigorating response reminded me - once again! - that educators are looking for all sorts of new and innovative practices.
Throughout the afternoon I explained the following:
1) Mind maps ARE the end product. By setting "goals & deadlines" for my pupils each quarter, I motivate them to create original, self-directed work that is both educational and artistic. Mind-mapping is one of several creative techniques I teach, leading to portfolios of memoir, poetry, and other language arts every June.
No student ever asks me "Why do I need to know this?" when learning about mind maps - or other methods of creativity. They are proud of their work and the art is legitimate, honest, and important. For more on "goals & deadlines" read this blog entry from last year.
1) Mind maps ARE the end product. By setting "goals & deadlines" for my pupils each quarter, I motivate them to create original, self-directed work that is both educational and artistic. Mind-mapping is one of several creative techniques I teach, leading to portfolios of memoir, poetry, and other language arts every June.
No student ever asks me "Why do I need to know this?" when learning about mind maps - or other methods of creativity. They are proud of their work and the art is legitimate, honest, and important. For more on "goals & deadlines" read this blog entry from last year.
2) A mind map can be a part of something larger. It can be an early step in a process leading to a different end product - like a brainstorming session, an essay, a research paper, a business idea, and so much more.
3) Teaching mind-mapping is easy! It takes 20 minutes. Just show your students my art gallery, explain the idea of taking notes by "mapping" your ideas as they radiate from a central core, and encourage them to take inspiration from what they see while creating their own original art.
My book includes a more in-depth mini-lesson that you can photocopy and distribute to your classes.
My book includes a more in-depth mini-lesson that you can photocopy and distribute to your classes.
4) Magic markers are mandatory in my classroom. This is on my opening day handout under "required" - right along with a folder, a notebook, and a pen.
Every class, every day begins with me saying "Take out your notebooks and your magic markers ..."
"Fine-tipped" markers are best. "Preferred by Teachers" it says on the package!
Every class, every day begins with me saying "Take out your notebooks and your magic markers ..."
"Fine-tipped" markers are best. "Preferred by Teachers" it says on the package!
5) Teaching creativity is vital. The results are phenomenal if you teach students HOW to be creative, then give them time, space, coaching, and motivation.
My display showed myriad examples - including mind maps made on the computer and made by hand. With words and without. With original photos or not. Made by magic marker or Sharpie or colored pencil. In full color and black & white. Created alone or in collaboration.
The examples were used to set goals, create a bucket list, pay homage to favorite books, reminisce about special memories, celebrate accomplishments, study for a test, contemplate travel, take notes during class, and so much more!!
I also frequently showed how to use mind maps to teach full-class literature, as demonstrated in the "mind maps for teachers" tab of my website.
My display showed myriad examples - including mind maps made on the computer and made by hand. With words and without. With original photos or not. Made by magic marker or Sharpie or colored pencil. In full color and black & white. Created alone or in collaboration.
The examples were used to set goals, create a bucket list, pay homage to favorite books, reminisce about special memories, celebrate accomplishments, study for a test, contemplate travel, take notes during class, and so much more!!
I also frequently showed how to use mind maps to teach full-class literature, as demonstrated in the "mind maps for teachers" tab of my website.
Other NCTE Experiences
Saturday evening I went to the Scholastic dinner - and it was a total delight! I will never miss this event again. Scholastic served Thanksgiving dinner to hundreds of English teachers, for free:)!
I met so many inspiring and interesting people at this dinner, including one of my primary influences: Jim Mahoney.
Saturday evening I went to the Scholastic dinner - and it was a total delight! I will never miss this event again. Scholastic served Thanksgiving dinner to hundreds of English teachers, for free:)!
I met so many inspiring and interesting people at this dinner, including one of my primary influences: Jim Mahoney.
Mahoney literally "wrote the book" about portfolios.
"I've been using your ideas for so long, a generation of people think I invented portfolios," I told him when we met during the cocktail hour.
I was absolutely star-struck as I told him about my blog entry on portfolios.
"I've been using your ideas for so long, a generation of people think I invented portfolios," I told him when we met during the cocktail hour.
I was absolutely star-struck as I told him about my blog entry on portfolios.
This marked two straight years I've been at the NCTE Conference - and I hope I never miss another! I am looking forward to Washington DC, and I plan to propose a repeat demonstration of my mind-mapping poster presentation!
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