Inspiration Maps

The Inspiration Maps app for the iPad can be of great advantage to teachers. Particularly at second grade, this app could be used to demonstrate the main ideas of a story. For example, the teacher reads a book to the class while their iPads are in front of them with the Inspiration app open. They are instructed to place the main idea of the story in the biggest thought bubble, and link supporting ideas off of it. The notes could be used to summarize why the author chose this and how he/she demonstrated it. This technique could also be used for tone, diction, character mapping, etc. It is a great way to get students active while also teaching them to pick apart a story and identify how a story comes together. The incorporation of the iPad will spark the interest of the students and enhance learning.