Together we'll succeed - March 2007
succeed@kirklees.gov.uk

Mindmapping is used all over the world and is widely recognised as one of the most powerful tools for a whole variety of purposes including planning, notetaking and revision. Using a very strict set of guidelines ensures that maps are particularly effective when it comes to aiding your memory. Pictures stimulate one half of your brain and colour stimulates the other, for example.

1. Use a sheet of plain paper, either A4 or A3. Turn it on its side and use it ‘landscape’. Scientific research shows that we receive information far more effectively using this format.
2. Draw a small, colourful image in the middle of the page that is appropriate to the subject you’re creating a map about. Write across it the name of the subject. This is to focus attention on the main idea.
3. Create the first branch from the centre with a thick line in colour, tapering to a thinner line on which you write your first main idea in CAPITAL letters. The fewer words the better, in fact, preferably one. A slightly curved line is more interesting to the eye, and the line should be as long as the words you use.
4. Using a different colour for each main idea, add more main branches around the central image.
5. You can now add thinner branches to each main branch in turn. On each of these add the subtopics in smaller case letters .Your memory will function even better if you now add a small illustration attached to the end of each branch.
6. If you have more information to add, add even thinner branches and add illustrations to these.
7. Use arrows and other symbols to make links between branches and guide the eye from one point to another.
8. Leave space so that you can add extra ideas at any time.

If you make giant mindmaps you can display them on your bedroom wall to add as quick reminders. Have fun!

Mind Maps ® is a registered trademark of the Buzan Organisation