Visual Mapping

Give 3-5 small pieces of paper or large Post-It notes and a marker to each participant and ask them to write multiple responses to a single, open-ended prompt. One response is put on each piece of paper. All papers are collected and spread out on the floor or a large desk surface or wall (if paper/tape or sticky-backed paper is used). Invite participants to read responses and then organize or “map” out responses in related groups. Once grouped, participants can provide a name for each category of group of responses if desired, or consider how some responses might bridge or connect between categories. If working with a large group (over 15) split the group in two and let each group make their own visual map of their responses. Then share the two maps together to compare ideas and groupings.

• What do you notice about yourself or the group during this process?

• What categories emerged? How did you choose to title each category group? Why?

• What new insights or information does this map give you?

• Where was the “heat” or our interests most focused for our group? Why do you think this is?

One role I have in my family is _______.

In our society, I am expected to ________ because ________.

One example of [a literary device: Imagery, Simile, Metaphor, Personification, etc.] in [specific chapter of The House on Mango Street] is __________.