Connect students directly to the concept in a personal way. Capture students' attention by initiating a group problem-solving activity before delivery of instruction. Begin with a situation that is familiar to students and builds on what they already know. Construct a learning experience that allows diverse and personal student responses. Facilitate the work of cooperative teams of students.

Have students create a fictional character and mind-map events in his or her "bad day."

Objective: To encourage cooperative efforts of students in a mind-mapping activity.

Activity: Distribute to each group of 3-4 students the name of one hypothetical character who is having a bad day. Make sure the character has a name (e.g. Cornelia Crank, Simon Downandout, Esmerelda Grump). Have each small group mind map reasons why their character is having a bad day. Set a limit of no more than five to ten minutes for this activity.

Assessment: Students will be given points for their ability to cooperate and produce quality mind-maps.