Mind Map Journaling

Journaling is a Well Known Emotional Coping Tool

It’s helpful for our families to have a place to write down the events of the day, so they can remember important milestones, but also to express their feelings, thoughts, and questions. However, writing in journal form is not for everyone, especially younger kids where writing sentences could be daunting.  This is where using the concept of a mind map, often used for brainstorming and planning, can come in.

Mind maps have a central focus or circle. This is the main topic. Then it has lines that come out from that topic into points or sub-categories to break that topic down even more. And it continues to grow, much like a web. It can usually involve one or two words to make a point or full sentences, depending on the person doing it and the needs at the time. It’s just a different way of organizing the information, so it can be easier to process.  

The basic lay out of mind mapping style can help simplify a lot of that, making it easier for youth (and adults) to focus less on the act of writing, and more on sorting out their thoughts. In a blog post about How Mind Mapping can help young people think more creatively, Asa Jomard, a professional counselor specializing in parent and child development said this, “Thoughts swirl around in a child’s head all the time, yet thoughts are tricky to capture. Just like jellyfish swim without any knowledge of how they swim, many of us think without any deeper insight into how we think. Mind Mapping is a tool that can be used by young people, even pre-school children, to visually explore and develop their own thinking”.  

Why don’t you give it a try? Here is a downloadable mind map sheet to get you started. You can also make it yourself on any paper, using any prompt on the inside that you would like.

Dare to Dream Scholarship Recipients 2024

Each year, Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance honors warriors and survivors as they pursue the next steps towards their education by offering our Dare to Dream Scholarship Award. Aligning with our Education, Research, and Advocacy Program, our goal by sharing this award is to support young cancer warriors who are preparing for college, while acknowledging the many barriers and hardships they have overcome through their strength and resiliency.

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Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance – Mission in Motion Summer 2024

In this Edition of Keaton’s Mission in Motion:
• Experience the joy of togetherness as we kick off summer with our Annual Disney Luau-themed event at Funderland Amusement Park • Share in honoring caregivers and siblings through special events to appreciate them • See Our Mission in Motion as We Host the First Pediatric Cancer Roundtable • Learn How You can get involved by adopting a family, helping to raise awareness during September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and by participating in our “Strike Out Kids’ Cancers!” bowling fundraiser, Sunday, September 29th!

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Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance – Mission in Motion Spring 2024

In this Edition of Keaton’s Mission in Motion:
• Welcome Spring with Keaton’s 4th Annual Family Fun Day at Gill Orchards • Meet Resilient and Strong Keaton’s Kiddo Kodiak • Share in Brightening a Hospital Stay for Keaton’s Kiddo Milagros with Keaton’s Family Navigators • See Our Mission in Motion as We Continue to Fund Childhood Cancer Research• Celebrate the Collaboration with our Community Partners at the Stay Happy FUNdation, Del Oro and Granite Bay High Schools • Discover Opportunities to Support our Mission by Fundraising and Donating During Big Day of Giving, Thursday, May 2nd and Attending Our 27th Annual “Chipping Away at Childhood Cancer” Golf Tournament, Thursday, May 23rd

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