How to Use Mind Mapping to Change Children's Attitude Towards Learning Read more: How to Use Mind Mapping to Change Children's Attitude Towards Learning | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7763272_use-childrens-attitude-towards-learning.html#ixzz1ScuQwfc7

Mind mapping can be used to change attitudes toward learning, especially in children who are having difficulty with their schoolwork. Mind mapping is a method of note taking that is much different than the standard form of linear writing. Instead of using the lines of a page and writing from left to right, a mind map is organized around a central idea placed in the middle of the page. Proponents of mind mapping contend that it more accurately reflects how the mind actually organizes material and can thus provide students with a valuable tool for organizing their own thoughts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

1
Teach students or children the basics of mind mapping. One of the most basic mind maps is created by turning a sheet of notebook paper sideways and drawing an circle in the middle of the page. In that circle, have the child write the idea, concept or book that they are studying. For example, a class reading Mark Twain's "Tom Sawyer" would write "Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain" in the circle. All other ideas, characters and themes from the book can then be noted outside of the main circle in another circle or even a square or rectangle. Instruct them to draw a line connecting the two. The two circles are now connected on the paper, but also in thought. This is done for each major theme or idea throughout the book. If there is a connection between different characters or themes, they can be connected to one another much like the various streets connecting towns on a road map.

2
Instruct the students to use colored pencils to create a mind map that is truly visual. Students are more likely to enjoy color-coded notes than they are plain, black and white notes they typically see. One of the major reasons to use mind mapping is to get students to open their minds and think differently about learning. Having a colored mind map will help with that process.

3
Integrate mind mapping into your curriculum or study time with your child by making it a part of the various assignments. Allow children considerable leeway in creating their mind map and let their curiosity and creativity flow so don't feel as if the mind map is just another tedious assignment.

4
Encourage students to utilize artwork or doodling as part of their mind mapping. Mind mapping is about creating a visual representation of how the mind thinks, which often includes pictures. Allowing students the opportunity to create pictures and integrate them into the mind maps is a simple way to make mind mapping fun.



Read more: How to Use Mind Mapping to Change Children's Attitude Towards Learning | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7763272_use-childrens-attitude-towards-learning.html#ixzz1ScuUMXK0[left]