Reimagining the Curriculum Map: A Visual, Practical Tool

I set out to reimagine the traditional curriculum map by attempting to move away from static documents hidden in binders or buried on shared drives (unlikely to be seen again). Instead, I created an Instructional Design Mind Map: a dynamic, visual, and user-friendly approach to curriculum planning.

This particular map was designed for a Grade 6 Statistics unit aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. At the heart of the map is the Core Performance Assessment. Every element on the map connects back to this Core Performance Assessment, ensuring cohesion and clarity throughout the unit. You can find the full Core Performance, Putting for Glory: The Lala Yeon Park Story, at the link below.

The map includes all the essential components of a traditional curriculum map. The map includes the standards, skills, big ideas, understandings, learning targets, but presents them in an engaging and accessible format.

How to use it:

Print it as a large, laminated poster and display it in your classroom.

Use a dry-erase marker to check off each skill or standard as you teach it.

This keeps your curriculum visible, interactive, and easy to manage in real time making planning and instruction more effective and student-centered.

Let’s move beyond outdated systems and bring curriculum design to life in a way that supports both teachers and learners.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to reach out and connect!

This is just one example of what’s possible.