Word Associations and Mind Mapping

Sample Word Associations. Created with NovaMind for Mac

I know, this post is l-o-o-o-n-g overdue. Can you ever forgive me? I hope that you'll enjoy today's post so much that you'll forget all about how late it has come out!

I had promised in my last post to provide you with an example of making word associations, and that is what I have for you today. I explained this concept in older posts, such as "Building an Effective Vocabulary" and "Completing the Process: Part Two of Building an Effective Vocabulary."

As you examine this method (mind-mapping), remember that it can be used not only with words but with complete phrases also.

In fact, mind mapping is so flexible that you can use it for anything you like, such as Mind Mapping for students in language study, life planning using mind maps, problem solving, brain storming or Mind Mapped lesson plans for teachers of a language class or any other subject.

I have come to appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of mind mapping so much that I use them all the time in my personal study and in my teaching. And I love them. I think when you start using them and become more familiar with their application, you will wonder how you ever lived without them!

Today's sample was done with NovaMind Express Mind Mapping Software for the Mac. Version 5 is already available for windows and soon to be for the Mac also. Of all the ones I have tried, NovaMind is my favorite pick for excellence of quality and service, but also because they offer the best prices on the market.

I will let the mind-map sample that I have uploaded here do most of the explaining. All I want to point out are a few basic fundamentals.

1. Mind maps can be done on paper by hand, or with Mind Mapping Software, such as in today's sample.
2. A mind map is read clockwise, starting at the 1:00 o'clock position
3. When creating a mind map you begin with the center topic and expand out from there, adding each related topic as sub-topics. 
4. With word associations, use only one word per related topic. This allows for the greatest amount of freedom, creativity and memorization.

Okay, I think that's enough. Go ahead and click on the image to view today's sample enlarged. Try making your own when you are done. I hope you enjoy this technique of mind mapping and as you do it, you will find that you get better and better.

*Please leave your feedback in the comments section. I would like to know how this idea works for you, or if you have any questions or other suggestions.

**Final note: If you follow the above links to NovaMind's Mind Mapping Software website from this page, and you decide to purchase any of their products, NovaMind will give a small (very small) commission to me as a thank you for referring them. This helps keep The Language Station running as a free language resource to everyone.