You may have spoken with your child’s teacher and heard the term “graphic organizer.” A graphic organizer is essentially just a tool, usually on a worksheet or in digital form. It provides ways to arrange and keep track of information in a way that communicates through pictures, diagrams, charts, or other visuals instead of just text or spoken language. Show
There are many types of common graphic organizers. Among the most popular strategies are mind maps, Venn Diagrams, and KWL charts. How can students benefit from using a graphic organizer?For many children, reading comprehension and getting their thoughts down on paper a challenge. They haven’t learned to visualize the text yet, they are facing vocabulary words that may distract them from the meaning of what they are reading, and they may feel overwhelmed by the amount work ahead of them. It may feel like they are doing a lot of things all at once, which is why they need a way to organize their thoughts. Graphic organizers are the teacher’s best friend. They are quick and simple to make, they provide good visuals for students who need multisensory input, and they prescribe a structure for students to take notes. Graphic organizers require students to stop and think about what is important while they are reading, and it also gives them something tangible to complete. Many types of graphic organizers can be easily converted into writing assignments after they have been completed. They have uses for students of all ages. Graphic organizers can easily be implemented at home, as well. This blog will break down four examples.
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