Graphic Organizers

Several studies have been conducted about the use of graphic organizers, which are a way to visually represent information, and how they help to improve student learning and performance across grade levels, with diverse students, and in a broad range of content areas. Using graphic organizers can improve reading comprehension, student achievement, thinking and learning skills, retention, and cognitive learning theory. The benefits from using graphic organizers in your classroom are endless!

For me, because I’m such a visual person, graphic organizers really help me in my everyday life. I use them while I’m lesson planning, reading, teaching, etc. My students really love using graphic organizers, too. Ever since I’ve introduced graphic organizers in my classroom, I’ve noticed improvements in my students’ comprehension and writing. Before we ever start writing any big pieces, I always have them create a graphic organizer to help them brainstorm ideas and then I let them talk with their table partners about their ideas, which is great because they’re able to work together to give each feedback. Of course there are a thousand other ways to use graphic organizers in your classroom, this is just one!