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Mind Mapping for Learning
Mind Mapping for Learning
Instruction for a whole new way of thinking
Instruction for a whole new way of thinking
A liberal arts education is important for children to understand the world in context. As a classroom teacher responsible for student achievement, I have discovered that basic drawing is an essential skill to develop in my students. I begin teaching basic drawing the first day of school and I set high expectations for student performance throughout the year. My first-grade student samples show the year-long scope and sequence, starting with Puff the Magic Dragon on the first day of class. I learn a lot about my students' ability to interpret symbols and to write with this activity.
Applied visual art skills
Applied visual art skills
These visual art skills are then applied across the curriculum and used to build cognitive skills, such as critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, metaphoric thinking, contextualizing, generalizing. These cognitive skills are developed through Mind Mapping for Learning in Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Math.
Mind Mapping for Learning in Language Arts has developed into a comprehensive instructional strategy for teaching reading that I call "Literary Learning".
Mind Mapping for Learning provides a structure for research projects in Science and Social Studies.
Math instruction builds on Mind Mapping for Learning with a focus on charts, graphs, diagrams, symbols, notation, etc.
Mind Mapping for Learning Videos
Mind Mapping for Learning Videos
mind mapping
mind mapping
A demonstration of Mind Mapping for Learning in the classroom.
ming mapping (shorter version)
ming mapping (shorter version)
Edited sample of Mind Mapping for Learning
Reading Instruction
Reading Instruction
Literary Learning
Literary Learning
Literary Learning® is what I call my system for using novels for shared reading. Basic drawing is integral in the expression and development of ideas from the novels. For the final assessment of the novels, the students create a graphic map.
Mind Mapping for Learning is based on the Mind Mapping® techniques of Buzan. The Mind Mapping framework becomes an instructional and assessment tool that I use as an integral part of my instruction. You can see the complexity of these children’s thoughts as they use words and pictures to depict their understanding in these graphic maps of Charlotte’s Web created by first-grade students.
I use basic drawing skills as a fundamental part of my reading instruction.
I use basic drawing skills as a fundamental part of my reading instruction.
Both drawing and reading/writing involve the interpretation of symbols and the transfer between 2D to 3D space. With every drawing project, I have the students do a connected reading/writing activity. This develops deep thinking and a relevant connection to the text which increases the child’s enjoyment and retention of the material being taught. This open ended strategy provides effective differentiation for many levels of learning.
Additional Examples
Additional Examples
Scott's Classroom
Scott's Classroom
An extended version of my philosophy and testimonials.
When a Child Can't Read
When a Child Can't Read
A case study showing an innovative solution to support a student.
Basic Drawing Instructions
Basic Drawing Instructions
Use the button below to find basic instructions for six of the visual arts projects I use with students.
Assessing Creativity
Squiggle drawings are drawn independently by students during their free time. I print half sheets of paper with a squiggle design on it and students develop a drawing that includes the squiggle. I learn a lot about students through this type of independent creative work. I look for indicators of diversity of thought, humor, details, story, creativity, which are all part of intellect. The drawing it is a type of IQ test, providing a window into student ability.
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