Tony Buzan‘s Mind Maps for Kids and Grown-Ups:
I do not have a good memory. I forget things ( epidural and its correlation to memory loss -not a myth, in my case ) .
I need to map out my thoughts. Where was I again? Ah, writing a blog piece on mind mapping.
What is mind mapping?
1. “A mind map is a diagram used to visually organize information. A mind map is often created around a single concept, drawn as an image in the center of a blank landscape page, to which associated representations of ideas such as images, words and parts of words are added. Major ideas are connected directly to the central concept, and other ideas branch out from those. Mind maps can be drawn by hand, either as “rough notes” during a lecture, meeting or planning session, for example, or as higher quality pictures when more time is available. Mind maps are considered to be a type of spider diagram.[1] A similar concept in the 1970s was “idea sun bursting”.[2]”
2. “A Mind Map is an easy way to get information into and out of your brain.”
- from the book, “ Mind Maps for Kids” by Tony Buzan
“Mind maps were popularized by British psychology author and television personality Tony Buzan.”
-source: Wikipedia
Ideas? They are everywhere. They are there. They surround us. They are like fruits ready for the picking.
But the ideas that pop on my head? They come disorganized. Well they don’t come clear as crystals, do they? I usually get that helpless feeling, when new ideas strike me. I just don’t have the basket or baskets, to sort them out.
But with mind maps, they help you weave those baskets by creating maps, -till you make sense out of these ideas and they become one great plan.
( check out Tony Buzan’s 7 Steps to Making a Mind Map at the bottom of this page)
I remember the creativity game in one of Tony Buzan‘s books, ” Head First” –where one is asked to write, in two minutes, every single use of a paper clip.
As I compared my score on that test, I was surprised with the answers I have given -they were either, “regular uses” at the same time “far from the norm”.
My answers ( as the book said) reflected on how I actually practiced creativity. I may want to re-think my perception on creative intelligence, after reading the books.
Well, the way I understand mind maps, through Tony Buzan’s books, they help you organize your thoughts. It helped that I was able to read books by Tony Buzan.
Tony Buzan’s mind maps helped me clear my head. They bring out my creativity, especially when writing posts for my blog.
Mind maps keep my head organized. The books by Tony Buzan, despite my age, sharpened my mind and brought out my creativity, like I am fresh out of college. I have had his books for years now.
So imagine how these books could help the young ones, in concentrating and remembering things.
Mind Maps for Kids by Tony Buzan also helped me, improve my son’s memory. I remembered having read to my son, books by Tony Buzan -on mind maps for children.
When my son feels like it, he doodles and maps out the things that he liked or did not like. He also makes lists, of his favorite toys or his favorite songs, this way.
( the goal here, is not to make an artist out of him but to help him express his thoughts and goals, effectively)
While back in my highschool, we use to say, “charts, layouts and diagrams”,
the younger generation say, “Mind Maps”.
I feel antiquated like that.
Aside from Tony Buzan’s books, you might want to try Mind Maps apps for free: iMindMap
Tony Buzan’s 7 Steps to Making a Mind Map :
- Start in the CENTRE of a blank page turned sideways. Why? Because starting in the centre gives your Brain freedom to spread out in all directions and to express itself more freely and naturally.
2. Use an IMAGE or PICTURE for your central idea. Why? Because an image is worth a thousand words and helps you use your Imagination. A central image is more interesting, keeps you focussed, helps you concentrate, and gives your Brain more of a buzz!
3. Use COLOURS throughout. Why? Because colours are as exciting to your Brain as are images. Colour adds extra vibrancy and life to your Mind Map, adds tremendous energy to your Creative Thinking, and is fun!
- CONNECT your MAIN BRANCHES to the central image and connect your second- and third-level branches to the first and second levels, etc. Why? Because your Brain works by association. It likes to link two (or three, or four) things together. If you connect the branches, you will understand and remember a lot more easily.
- Make your branches CURVED rather than straight-lined. Why? Because having nothing but straight lines is boring to your Brain.
- Use ONE KEY WORD PER LINE. Why Because single key words give your Mind Map more power and flexibility.
- Use IMAGES throughout. Why? Because each image, like the central image, is also worth a thousand words. So if you have only 10 images in your Mind Map, it’s already the equal of 10,000 words of notes!
my son when he was 9, doing mind maps
Note: My son is in high school now. One way or another, he has been applying this mind map technique in his study routine.
