Dear Educators! I am very excited to share the first detailed step-by-step guide to mind mapping in early childhood education for early childhood educators and teachers. It is only 10 AUD and is available to download via this link!
Get your ultimate guide to Mind Mapping for educators! This is especially useful for mind mapping in early childhood education.
I also created a video Using Mind Maps (Webbing) for Planning:
https://youtu.be/8pVyoR7AFnQ?si=7fFwShyttZ3rd2kv
Introduction to Mind Mapping (Webbing)
- In this video, I talk about how to use mind maps (also referred to as webbing) as a tool for planning educational activities, particularly in early childhood settings. This is a crucial method for mind mapping in early childhood education.
- Webbing and Mind Mapping – these two terms are used interchangeably in the video. Both involve creating a diagram where ideas branch out from a central topic, helping to organize and plan.
Examples of Mind Maps
- One example shown involves using a mind map to explore different ways to approach a butterfly-related project. Ideas included using dance (with scarves to mimic wings), art projects (such as making butterfly wings or mosaics), dramatic play, and studying the butterfly life cycle.
- Another example is a more complex mind map about tyres. This map explores various questions children might ask, such as why tyres are black, their environmental impact, how they are made, and whether they can be recycled. Both examples are great for mind mapping in early childhood education.
Creating Mind Maps for Outdoor Activity Planning
- Central Idea: In this part of the video, the educator creates a mind map with a central idea of planning activities for an outdoor area.
- Branching Ideas: From this central idea, branches include different types of equipment and activities:
- Balls: Different sizes and textures.
- Hula Hoops: Branches for materials (wood, plastic) and games.
- Pool Noodles: Ideas for obstacle courses and dancing activities.
- Bubbles: Set up a bubble station where children can make bubble solutions and wands.
- Bean Bags: Use them for fundamental movement skills, balance activities, and games.
Further Ideas for Outdoor Play
- Dramatic Play – suggestions for integrating dramatic play outdoors, such as setting up:
- A car wash with bicycles and ride-on cars.
- A picnic area, camping spot, or sandpit for “pie-making.”
- A potion station for children to create “witches’ potions.”
- A farmers’ market or simple shop using recycled materials.
Benefits of Mind Mapping for Planning
- Idea Generation: Mind mapping allows educators to quickly come up with a variety of ideas and expand on them creatively.
- Organisation: It helps to visually organize thoughts and plan different aspects of activities, making the process of planning more efficient and structured.
Conclusion
- Mind maps are a powerful tool for brainstorming, planning, and organizing educational activities.
- I encourage educators to use mind maps in their planning.
Are you using concept mapping, mind mapping in early childhood education?