RTEC Exchange

Examples of Graphic Organizers

Back to Topic

Tip: Graphic Organizers

Archived Information Only - This site will not be updated.

"Graphic organizers are valuable instructional tools. Unlike many tools that just have one purpose, graphic organizers are flexible and endless in application. One common trait found among graphic organizers is that they show the order and completeness of a student's thought process - strengths and weaknesses of understanding become clearly evident. Many graphic organizers show different aspects of an issue/problem - in close and also the big picture. Since many graphic organizers use short words or phrases, they are ideal for many types of learners, including English Language Learners with intermediate proficiency." (WriteDesign online)

There are many types of Graphic Organizers typically used in classrooms.

Pictures of Graphic Organizers

Some examples of commonly used in classrooms include:

Concept, Story, or Character Maps

Venn Diagram

K-W-L Charts (What I Know, Want to find out, Learned)

Matrix

Flow Chart

Timeline

Compare/contrast

Spider Map

In Mrs. Roberts 4th grade classroom, students brainstorm what would be included in a good report on an animal. They list habitat, diet, behavior, and lifespan. Mrs. Roberts types the ideas into Kidspiration, displayed on a single computer. Once all ideas are listed, she switches into outline view, so that students can help to re-arrange the ideas into a sensible order. Each child can work from this outline in preparing their report, either on the computer or in hard copy.

Next Subtopic: More Graphic Organizer Resources

Return to Tips for Differentiated Instruction Home Page.