Winter Wonderland Mind Maps

Melissa Avery

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Winter Wonderland Mind Maps

Express emotions through art

In this lesson, students will create mind maps centered around the theme of a winter wonderland. They will use symbols and drawings to represent their feelings and aspirations for the holiday season. This exercise encourages creativity and emotional expression, helping students visualize positive outcomes and articulate their emotions in a fun and engaging way.

Audience

Grades K-2 Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Express emotions through art

Materials

Large sheets of paper, Colored pencils or markers, and Winter Wonderland Mind Map Discussion Guide

Step 1

Introduction to Mind Mapping

5 minutes

Briefly explain what a mind map is: a visual way to organize thoughts and ideas.
Show an example of a simple mind map on the board, using a central idea and branching out with related thoughts.
Introduce the theme: 'Winter Wonderland' and discuss what it means to the students.

Step 2

Creating the Mind Maps

10 minutes

Distribute large sheets of paper and colored pencils or markers to each student.
Instruct students to draw a central circle on their paper and write 'Winter Wonderland' inside it.
Encourage them to think about what winter means to them and draw symbols or pictures that represent their feelings and aspirations for the holiday season.
Walk around the room to provide guidance and encouragement.

Step 3

Reflection and Sharing

5 minutes

Ask students to share their mind maps with a partner or the class.
Use the 'Winter Wonderland Mind Map Discussion Guide' to facilitate a brief discussion about the different symbols and drawings students used.
Encourage students to talk about how their drawings make them feel and what they hope for during the holiday season.

Discussion

Winter Wonderland Mind Map Discussion Guide

This guide will help facilitate a discussion about the symbols and drawings students used in their mind maps, encouraging them to express their emotions and aspirations.

What symbols or drawings did you use in your mind map?

Encourage students to describe their drawings and explain why they chose those symbols.

How do these symbols make you feel about the winter season?

Guide students to express their emotions and connect them to their drawings.

What are your hopes for the holiday season?

Help students articulate their aspirations and positive outcomes they envision.