Mind Map Of Me
Mind Map Of Me
Topic: Importance of Diversity
Empowerment Lesson Video: Importance of Diversity
Supplies:
- Poster paper or large sheets of light-colored construction paper, one per student
- Markers, crayons, or paints
- Pencils or pens
- Other craft materials such as glitter, stickers, or foil
- Collage materials such as newspapers and magazines
Video Discussion:
Ask students to turn and talk to a partner about what the word “diversity” means to them.
After a few minutes of discussion, bring the class back together and ask students to share their ideas.
Work together to come to a class definition of the term diversity (e.g., “All of the ways that people are different.”).
After watching the video Importance of Diversity, ask your students the following questions:
- Why do you think it’s valuable to have people with different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences in a classroom? In a community?
- How can learning about different cultures, traditions, and beliefs help us better understand and appreciate one another?
- What are some ways that diversity can make a group, like a team or class, stronger and more creative?
- How can we make sure everyone feels included and valued, even when we have different ideas, traditions, or ways of thinking?
Activity Instructions:
Students will be crafting a personal mind map.
Our thoughts, interests, and experiences shape who we are in unique ways. Understanding what makes us unique can help us appreciate our differences and discover the things that connect us.
In this activity, you will be creating a personal mind map showcasing your diversity. As you design your mind map, think about all the different influences that make you special and how they come together to shape your identity.
- Get a sheet of paper and a writing utensil.
- Write your name in the center of the paper and draw a circle around it.
- Read through the following list and select 4-5 categories.
- Hobbies
- Family
- Culture
- Favorite Activities
- Favorite Foods
- Values
- Important Places
- Skills
- Dreams for the Future
- Write each of the categories you selected in the space around your name’s circle.
- Draw a circle around each category and use a line to connect it to the circle around your name.
- Write or draw specific details that relate to each category around the category’s circle. For example, for the category of “Culture”, you could write or draw about special holidays your family celebrates, your home language, traditional clothing, or other traditions your family has. Put each of these details into its own circle and draw a line connecting it to the category’s circle.
- As time allows, use craft materials to decorate your mind map. You could include glitter or paint in your favorite color for the background, a border made of pictures you like from a magazine, or anything else you can think of to make your map unique, just like you!
- Once you’ve completed your mind map, share it with a partner. Explain the branches and why each one is an important part of you. Then, listen carefully as your partner shares information about their mind map.
- Look at your finished mind map and answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper:
- What surprised you about yourself as you were creating your mind map?
- How do the different parts of your mind map come together to make you unique?
- Which category on your mind map do you think represents the most important part of who you are? Why?
- What is one thing you learned about yourself or your classmates during this activity that you didn’t realize before?
