There are many
different ways to brainstorm our ideas to see what we already know about
a topic and to think about what we need to find out. Brainstorming also
allows for the clustering and categorisation of concepts. For this
reason it is often effective to have card clusters, post-it notes, or
some other way to manipulate the ideas children provide. The
following four strategies are all effective in clustering ideas from a
brainstorm activity:
A
mind map allows children to record and cluster their ideas in a way
that is meaningful to them. A
useful tool for mind mapping is Inspiration.
An explosion
chart
helps children to expand and organise their ideas.
This process can be used by individuals, small groups and a whole
class.
A
KWL Chart identifies what a child already knows about a topic,
what they want to find out and (at the end of the task) what they found
out. This framework is very
useful for assessment of the process.
The Six
Thinking Hats provides a multi-layered focus for the topic.
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