2. What is a graphic
organizer?
• A powerful visual picture of
information that allows the mind to
see undiscovered patterns and
relationships.
• A tool that allows organization of
these patterns and relationships in
writing.
3. Keys to effective use of graphic
organizers
1. Consistent
• Create a standard set of graphic organizers.
• Establish a routine for implementing them in the
classroom.
2. Coherent
• Provide clear labels for the relationship between
concepts in graphic organizers.
• Limit the number of ideas covered.
Minimize distractions.
3. Creative
Use during all stages of lesson design.
• Incorporate during homework and test review.
• Add illustrations.
• Implement with cooperative groups and pairs.
4. Watch this video to see how you
can use graphic organizers in your
prewriting.
5. Types of Graphic Organizers
Chain of
Events
Clustering Continuum Cycle
Family
Tree
Fishbone
Mapping
Interaction
Outline
KWLH
Technique
Matrix Problem/
Solution
Spider
Map
Story
Board
Venn
Diagram
6. Chain of Events
• Used to describe the stages of an event, the
actions of a character or the steps in a
procedure.
Beginning
First event
Second event
Final event
7. Clustering
A nonlinear activity that generates ideas, images
and feelings around a stimulus word. As students
cluster, their thoughts tumble out, enlarging
their word bank for writing and enabling them to
see patterns in their ideas.
animals
nocturnal
desert
reptiles
Rainforest
lizards
snakes tortoise
Owls
Click Here to Create Your Own
8. Fishbone Mapping
Used to show causal interaction of a complex
event (an election, a nuclear explosion) or
complex phenomenon (juvenile delinquency,
learning disabilities).
result Cause
1
Detail
Cause
2
Detail
Cause
3
Cause
4
Detail Detail
9. Interaction Outline
Used to show the nature of an interaction
between persons or groups, such as the
interaction between European settlers and
American Indians.
Person 1
Group 1
Person 2
Group 2
Interaction
Action Reaction
Action Reaction 1 & 2
Person 1
Group 1
Person 2
Group 2
Outcomes Outcomes
10. Problem/Solution
Requires students to identify a problem and
consider multiple solutions and possible results
Who
What
Why
Problem
Attempted
Solutions
Results
1. 1.
2. 2.
End Results
11. Spider Map
Used to describe a central idea; a thing, a
process, a concept, a proposition. The map may
be used to organize ideas or brainstorm ideas
for a writing project.
Topic
Concept
Theme
M
ain
idea
DetailsDetails
12. Storyboard
A graphic and sequential depiction of a
narrative. Students recall major events of the
story then illustrate the events in the squares
provided.
Little Red Riding Hood
Little Red Riding Hood
takes basket to
Grandmas house
Her mom tells her
not to wander off
path
She meets wolf in
forest
Wolf gets to
grandmas house
before her
She gets eaten
by wolf
Hunter comes and
kills wolf and cuts
her out of his belly
