How to Find a Graphic Organizer
- 1). Choose a Venn diagram for comparing and contrasting. The information placed inside the two overlapping circles shows what two things have in common; the information in one or the other part of a circle shows the differences between the two things.
- 2). Use a K-W-L chart for non-fiction reading tasks. Before they read a lesson, students fill in what they already know about a topic in the "K" column, and the things they want to find out in the "W" column. After they have read the text, they complete the "L" column with what they learned.
- 3). Have students complete a word web for brainstorming. This can be used for pre-reading to activate prior knowledge. It also works as a pre-writing activity, to begin thinking about the writing topic. Have the students put the topic in the center and write words that are connected to the topic in bubbles that extend out from the center.
- 4). Consider a timeline or sequence chart for arranging events in order. If you're working with fiction, you could also use a story plot to convey the chronological order as well as identify the story elements such as rising action, climax and resolution.
- 5). Select a cause and effect graphic organizer for showing how one event may lead to another. Pair this with an article that describes several cause and effect relationships. Identifying cause and effect is an important skill that requires practice.
- 6). Provide a Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How organizer for news articles or narratives. This graphic organizer could also help students with writing assignments for newsletters or the student paper.
- 7). Look for other unique graphic organizers if none of the ones mentioned seems quite right. Or better yet, work with your students to create one that best meets your needs.
