Getting kids excited about learning can be one of the most challenging tasks of a parent. One of the easiest ways to learn and retain information is through visual cues, and that’s where SmartArt comes in. For example, here we have a simple list:
Koala Bears eat the following parts of the eucalyptus tree:
1. Bark
2. Leaves
Even though it’s simple, it’s pretty boring. But using Word or PowerPoint in Microsoft Office 2010, we can transform this list into a memorable SmartArt graphic with just a few clicks:
SmartArt diagrams can aid in teaching just about any lesson – whether you’re a math teacher explaining fractions, an English teacher outlining the process of writing an essay, or a mom who is getting a little bit creative with this week’s chore list. It’s easy and fun, which means it’s not only great for parents and teachers, but kids can use it to punch up their own homework and presentations while having fun with the colour, sharing and graphics options.
Let me show you how. First we’ll create a simple list diagram and then we’ll get fancy with pictures.
1. Open Word or PowerPoint and click on the SmartArt icon. 
2. Select “List” and then select the “Hierarchy List”.
3. You can type your list directly into the boxes, or click on the arrows on the left side…
4. …to add, delete and modify items on your list.
5. Once your list is created, you can easily change the colour or design. Click on “Change Colors” and hover the mouse over the various colour choices. You’ll immediately be able to see what your diagram would look like without having to make the change permanent. You can do the same by hovering over the SmartArt Styles icons, to get different shading or perspective.
6. Perhaps you want to change the SmartArt design all together. Select your diagram and the SmartArt Tools will be highlighted on the context-sensitive menu. Hover your mouse over any of the SmartArt design icons and you’ll see what the change would look like. Click on the icon you want to make the change to your diagram. Couldn’t be simpler!
Ok, so none of these look like the one I showed you at the beginning of this post. So let’s continue.
7. On the SmartArt Design menu, select “More Layouts…”
8. Select “Picture” and then select the Circular Picture Callout (the one with the circles).
< div>9. To create my SmartArt, I edited the list and put each item on its own level.
