How to Mind Map

1. Create a Central Idea. The central idea is the starting point of your Mind Map and represents the topic you
are going to explore. ...
2. Add branches to your map. The next step to get your creative juices flowing is to add branches. ...
3. Add keywords. ...
4. Color code your branches. ...
5. Include images & visual signifiers (i.e. emojis)

Rubric for Mind Mapping

CRITERIA EXCELLENT (5) ACCEPTABLE (3) NEEDS SCORE

IMPROVEMENT (1)
Structure Ideas provide a Ideas radiate out from Few ideas radiate out
complete picture with centre in a clear picture from centre. Not very
a high degree of that involves clear
imagination and imagination and
creativity creativity
Exploratory Clear and highly Ideas are arranged in Ideas are not connected
effective indication of order of importance from most complex to
connection between from most complex to simplest
ideas and central simplest
image
Communication Highly effective use of Good use of key words Limited use of key
key words and images and images connected to words. Some images are
and deep central topic. Good not applicable
understanding of topic understanding of topic
Connections Effective use of Clearly uses colour, Little or no use of colour,
between sections colour, codes, or links codes, or links to show codes, or links to show
to make connections connections between connections between
between ideas ideas ideas
meaningful
Extent of Highly effective effort Effective effort to Limited or ineffective
coverage to connect main ideas connect main ideas effort to connect main
together together ideas together

Reviewer’s
Comments

Structure: Non-linear structure provides a complete picture of your ideas.

Exploratory: Map shows complex thinking about the meaningful relationships between ideas, themes, and
the framework.
Relationships: Relative importance of ideas is indicated and both simple and complex relationships are
mapped very effectively.
Connections: Information is presented clearly and allows for a high level of understanding.
Extent of Coverage: Map shows complex thinking about the meaningful relationships between ideas, themes,
and the framework.