Overview

Students create a concept map (mind map) of all the connections they have made with a text. Working on large paper or digitally, students map connections and draw links between related ideas. The strength of a connection can be indicated by size, proximity or annotation on linking lines. Best used as a consolidation activity at the end of studying a text or passage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Students write the title of the text in the centre of their page.
2. Branching out from the centre, students create three main arms labelled: Text-to-Self, Text-to-Text, Text-to-World.
3. On each arm, students add specific connections they have made during their study of the text, including brief details.
4. Students draw links between connections that are related to each other — even across different types — and annotate the links with a brief explanation.
5. The size of each connection bubble or the thickness of the connecting line should indicate how strong or significant the connection is.
6. Students share and explain their maps in pairs or small groups.

Tips

• This works best at the end of a unit when students have a rich bank of connections to draw from.
• Encourage students to look for unexpected links between connection types.
• Digital tools like Miro, Canva, or Google Jamboard work well for this activity.

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