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A heart map is a text that uses multiple modes (print, image, color, symbols, etc.) to articulate the things at the center of your heart. Heart mapping can help us notice how who we are can be implicated in what we write, how we engage in the world, and what values, people, memories, and things we hold most dear. It's an excellent way to start conversations with students and help them see their lives storied.
A Brief History
The concept of the heart map was developed by Georgia Heard, who wrote about the idea in her book Awakening the Heart. It gained popularity in classrooms due to the powerful, introspective process. She has now created many different kinds of heart maps, all with different focuses.
For an interview with Georgia Heard about her heart map concept, check out this Heinemann Blog post.
Learn more about Georgia Heard on her website's About page.
Heart Map created in Imagination PLAYce
Getting Started
This template, Heart Mapping and Writing by Georgia Heard, includes directions, guiding questions, an example heart map, and a heart for you to fill in.
Use this YouTube video to see Georgia Heard explain how to make a heart map.
Use this Heinemann Blog post if you want to see examples of different kinds of heart maps, and what you can include in your own.
Heart Map created in Imagination PLAYce
Resources
This Heinemann Blog post explains why heart mapping is helpful and important writing, and provides a few questions to ask students to help guide them in the right direction.
This Two Writing Teachers blog post provides a firsthand account of an educator using heart mapping and examples of the activities that can be used in the classroom.
Heart Map
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