Inspiration is a software program that allows users to "build graphic organizers to represent concepts and relationships and use the integrated outlining capability to further organize ideas for reports." Many educators see the program as one of the best for brainstorming, concept mapping, and outlining. With only a few clicks, teachers and students can create detailed representations of what they're thinking.

If you're new to Inspiration, check out the Interactive Demonstration (click on the link to the left) to see how the program works.

Like any software program, an introduction activity is the best way to learn to use Inspiration. The following techtorial was designed for second graders to use with partners (one reads the instructions while the other completes the activity). You can print the techtorial for your students' use or walk students through the instructions on your own.

Next: Creating the symbols.