Mind-mapping: How your kids can use this tool for creative writing

Creative writing is an activity that requires imagination, structure, organisation and patience. It is highly beneficial for kids as it is a medium of expression and exploration because it is not bound by rules which have to be conformed to. Budding writers would know how sometimes ideas come effortlessly and naturally, while other times, one has to struggle and think intensively. Experiencing a writer’s block is not something uncommon, and it can be frustrating for your budding author. Mind-mapping is a tool that kids can employ in their creative writing in order to combat these blocks, create structure and organize their work, and also simply to make the writing process flow smoothly. Here is all you need to know about the process of mind-mapping, and how you can help your child imbibe this technique.  

What is mind-mapping? 
Mind-mapping is a technique used to visually organise ideas and information. Essentially, it works in helping the writer generate ideas through a process of associating one idea with the next. Since it is a visual exercise, kids find it easier to brainstorm using this technique as compared to simply listing ideas one after the other. These maps can also include drawings, symbols, different colours and key words. The visual aspect of this technique enables them to form links between ideas, expand existing ones and set a structure for their work so that they have more control over their writing. Mind mapping also allows them to compare ideas and select the best ones. 

Step-by-step guide for mind mapping 

• First, it is important to identify the main theme or premise. Ask your child to get a blank sheet of paper and write the main idea of their creative writing project in the centre and draw a circle around it.  
• Then, have him draw 6-8 lines extending outwards from the circle containing the main idea.  
• At the tip of each of these lines, your kid can write down the ideas associated with that topic. For example, if the main theme is the character sketch of a particular character, then adjectives describing the character can be written here. 
• Depending on your child’s level of writing, these maps can be made as simple or complex as one desires. Thus, your child can draw another set of lines around these ideas.  
• You can also encourage your child to draw or find images to add to the mind map. Continuing the character sketch example, your child can draw the character based on the traits listed on the mind map. 

Now-a-days, there are numerous websites and apps available which can help draw digital mind-maps too.