Concept Maps and Writing Stories

I’ve never been a big fan of concept maps, especially in an English class. Normally I just write out a bit of an outline, or general ideas and just start writing. However, after using Inspiration to create a concept map I’m actually quite excited about using them in my classroom. Inspiration is very easy to use, but concept mapping is a very simple way of jotting down ideas and keeping thoughts organized. My concept map is about the things you need to write a story. After seeing the finished product I can definitely see how seeing this information organized in such a way would help students understand how to write a story. As they begin to write the story they could create their own concept maps and fill in the different bubbles. Who the characters are, what they like, don’t like; where the setting takes place; what happens in the beginning, middle, end of the plot? Then all the students need to do is take the information off of the web and translate it into an actual story. This could keep them from getting overwhelmed and would help them organize their ideas in a very efficient way. It also fulfills the ICT learner outcomes: C4-Students will use organizational processes and tools to manage inquiry. C6-Students will use technology to investigate and /or solve problems. F2-Students will understand eh role of technology as it applies to self, work and society. F6- Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the operating skills required in a variety of technologies. P2-Studetns will organize and manipulate data.