Mind Mapping for Kids (MMFK) helps elementary school students develop higher-level thinking and improve their reading comprehension using mind maps and 8 reading comprehension strategies.KEY FEATURESLearn mind map basics in a few hours and start mind mapping in a day. - Written by a mind mapper and features mind maps by other mind mappers. - Includes over 50 mind maps created with over 10 different mind mapping programs. - Full case study on reading comprehension using mind maps.DESCRIPTIONWe are all visual learners, at least in part. We absorb information visually more than in any other way. Yet, visual literacy is mostly missing from mainstream education. So, how can elementary school students visually represent information and ideas to improve their ability to build on what they already know, think critically, and learn meaningfully? This question is the central theme of Mind Mapping for Kids. MMFK offers elementary school teachers a blueprint for how to introduce mind maps in their classrooms to help students think more rigorously and increase engagement by transforming linear, static information into connected, dynamic maps. Part I of the book discusses the fundamentals of mind mapping for teachers, parents, and students. Part II demonstrates how to use mind maps and the eight reading comprehension strategies to help students develop critical thinking and better comprehend what they’re reading. Part III provides 15 examples of mind mapping uses in school and at home, and 5 templates to use in the classroom.Give mind maps a try. They can be used independently or in conjunction with other literacy instruction programs. Either way, they will bring fun and excitement to the classroom while simultaneously improving thinking, reading, and learning.
Toni Krasnic, MBA, is a distinguished professional in the Customer Experience (CX) field, with an extensive experience in both the hospitality and government sectors. As a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP), Toni combines insights from his business consulting and leadership in government, offering a unique and valuable perspective on CX.
Toni's commitment to elevating customer experiences through innovative strategies and leadership have established him as an influential voice in the CX community. His contributions extend beyond practice; as an author and sought-after speaker at conferences, he continues to guide and inspire future CX leaders.
Cautionary Note; This book is not intended to be read and forgotten; be prepared to spend time putting it to the test! Krasnic’s goal is to engage elementary students to use mind maps to connect the dots not just collect them. Once that task is accomplished, students can see and use the big picture to ask meaningful questions allowing them to become better readers and learners. The author’s purpose is to provide a guide for teachers and parents to help young students use mind maps to improve their reading comprehension and critical thinking.
Krasnic divides the book into three parts. Part One explains the fundamental principles of visual mapping both in mind mapping and concept mapping. In the second part, the Concise Reading Method (CRM) is fully explained. This technique marries the eight reading strategies to mind maps. These strategies will sound familiar. They include Summarizing, Applying Previous Knowledge, Visualizing, Evaluating, Synthesizing Information and then asking Critical Questions. Teachers and parents working with the common core curriculum will recognize many of these. Part Three contains enrichment activities with additional examples, templates, and tips for students, parents and teachers on how to use these techniques.
The author speaks to each of the target audiences. Teachers are encouraged to experiment and teach children to use their unique abilities and interests to create many kinds of maps Students are urged to believe in themselves by taking control of their learning and assuming personal responsibility for their education. Parents of very young children must allow their children to choose what and how to learn by facilitating their natural curiosity. Once a child becomes school-aged, a parent needs to partner with the school and display the child’s work throughout the home.
The materials in this book are comprehensive but well organized and easy to follow. Readers are encouraged to ask questions and seek additional assistance. The drawings and illustrations make the concepts easy to understand. I urge parents, teachers and students to spend some time looking them over. Time and energy invested now might last a lifetime.