MIND MAPS

A mind map is a creative pattern of connected ideas. It is much like a road map or a blue print, or even a computer flow-chart. Although is is sometimes called “Clustering” or “Mapping”, there are some important differences.

WHY MIND MAP?

While any note-taking system can store material, a mind map will help you to understand your material far better and boost your recall of it dramatically. WHY? When done properly, mind maps appeal powerfully to the right side of the brain, (which processes colors, relationships, pictures, and symbols). This teams up with the more traditional appeal of words (which is primarily a left brain activity). When done with a partner, mind maps also appeal to the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic types of learners. Use them for personal note taking, planning, review, problem solving, speeches, studying, organizing papers, and more!

The steps to making a mind map are simple. 1. Start with a topic and enclose it in the center of your paper 2. Add branches to hold key sub-topics 3. Add details to the branches PERSONALIZE it for the right brain with symbols, pictures, colors, and shapes.

Here are some tips on how to personalize it for the RIGHT brain-

 Use at least three colors  Use pictures and symbols for every key idea  Print all words on lines, using UPPER and lower case letters  Use your paper horizontally and use medium thick pens  Very the SIZE of words according to importance  Use a different color for each branch and use arrows to show relationships  Be CREATIVE  Practice…..every time you do one they get easier  HAVE FUN!!!