How to Make a Heart Map
A Heart Map is an engaging and creative activity where you draw and write about the things that are important to you. It’s like a special map inside your heart, filled with the people you love, experiences you’ve had, feelings you hold, and memories you cherish. It’s a way to express the unique and wonderful things that make you who you are. So, why not try making a Heart Map and see what treasures you have stored in your heart!
Step by Step Instructions for Making a Heart Map
1. Print, draw, or purchase a Heart Map Template
Print or draw a large heart shape. You can get a FREE Heart Map Template® by signing up for my emails. Other ideas: Use a Foam Heart or a Large Wooden Heart, especially if you’re going to be adding decorative and crafting elements. I’ve also used Small Wooden Hearts with a predrilled hole so you can hang your heart map as an ornament. If you’re planning on painting on your Heart Map, try using my favorite heart-shaped canvas panel boards.
2. Fill your Heart Map
Write, draw, paint, or decorate the heart with crafts that represent different aspects of your life and what’s inside your heart. Include some of the following:
Memories: Capture special memories or moments that hold significance to you
Special People: Include the names or pictures of the people who are important in your life
Likes and Loves: Write or draw things that you love
Favorite Places: Include places you enjoy visiting or places that hold special meaning to you
Friends: Dedicate a section to your friends. You can even write their names, draw pictures of them and include their photos
Activities and Hobbies: Show the things you enjoy doing, such as hobbies or activities that bring you joy
Happiness: Represent what makes you happy and brings a smile to your face
Sadness and Other Feelings: Acknowledge what makes you feel sad or other emotions that you want to express
3. Use a variety of tools and materials for Your Heart Map
Thin Markers, Colored Pencils or Glitter Gel Pens: Choose a variety of colors to represent different emotions and experiences.
Fine-Point Markers: These are useful for writing words, names, places, descriptions, or favorite quotes or song lyrics that hold personal meaning to you. Consider using different fonts or lettering styles.
Images and photographs: Collect pictures from magazines, print out personal photos, or find images online that resonate with your feelings, experiences, and memories. These visuals can add depth and symbolism to your Heart Map.
Glue or Glue Dots: If you’re using images or photographs, you’ll need a way to attach them to your Heart Map. Choose an adhesive that won’t damage the Heart Map.
Scissors: Use scissors to cut out images, shapes, or anything else you want to include on your heart map.
Stickers, Washi Tape, Pom Poms, Ribbons, Googly Eyes, Popsicle Sticks, Buttons of all shapes and sizes, and even Colorful Band Aids are all creative ways to express what’s on your heart.
Ruler or straight edge: If you prefer clean lines or want to create precise sections within your heart map, a ruler or straight edge can help.
If you enjoy painting or want to incorporate different textures and effects, consider using Watercolors, Acrylic Paints, or Acrylic Paint Pens especially for painting on wood or fabric, and other art mediums.
Remember, the tools and materials you choose are entirely based on your personal preferences and artistic style. Feel free to experiment and adapt this list to suit your creative vision. The most important part of heart mapping is to enjoy the process of self-expression and self-discovery as you fill in your heart map.
4. Reflect on your Heart Mapping process
Once you’re done creating your Heart Map, take some time to reflect and write down your thoughts in a special heart notebook or journal devoted specifically to what surfaced during the heart mapping process.
5. Share Your Heart Map
Once you’ve finished your Heart Map, it’s a great idea to share it with someone who is a good listener, such as a close friend, family member or, if you’re a student, a trusted classmate. Someone who can appreciate and understand all the things you’ve put on your personal Heart Map. Also, consider placing your Heart Map in your notebook if you have one, or place it on a special spot on a wall. This way, you can always revisit your Heart Map and be reminded of the special things that live within your heart.
If you’re a teacher, you might want to use heart shaped push pins to hang your students’ Heart Maps on a wall or bulletin board.
A Note for Teachers
A Heart Map can be a powerful tool in the classroom. Learn more in my book, Heart Maps: Helping Students Create and Craft Authentic Writing. You can also subscribe to my Heart Maps Toolkit for Teachers Membership by joining our growing community of educators who use Heart Maps to check-in with students’ hearts throughout the school year.
Discover more about the world of Heart Maps by diving into my book Heart Maps: Helping Students Crafts and Create Authentic Writing, where you’ll find an inspiring collection of 20 unique downloadable Heart Map themes and designs, along with inspiring examples by young people to ignite your creativity.