Concept Map

When I was teaching 7th grade languages arts, my students always struggled with finding a topic to journal about. I was thinking about them and getting them to write at this point in the year and how I would have encouraged them to get started. I think you could use a program like Bubbl.us to have them brainstorm topics relating to their upcoming summers. You could have them do it individually or in pairs, depending on the availability of computers. You could get into what they created together as a whole class using the projector and even continue brainstorming. I could also see creating a map from the beginning as a whole class and getting input from all students. Pairs or groups of students could collaborate on a concept map without even using time during a school day. They could set up an account and work on it on their own. You could assign different colors to different students to keep track of their contributions. I have used Bubbl.us before and see it as a very beneficial tool.