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Utilizing Graphic Organizers [<< Back]

A graphic organizer is used to arrange a collection of information in a clear, logical way. For instance, a person might use a graphic organizer called a decision making model to evaluate possible answers to a particular problem. Alternatively, a graphic organizer can be helpful in charting the characters in a novel or short story. This sort of graphic organizer called a character map can help a student keep track of a large cast of personalities. Furthermore, a business professional writing a report on two products may employ a Venn diagram to quickly outline their commonalities and differences. Graphic organizers of all kinds simplify information and display it an easy-to-understand format. 

Decision Making Model

A graphic organizer in the form of a decision making model serves several important purposes. First, it clarifies a person's thoughts as they attempt to make a decision about something. Next, it organizes the information involved in the decision in a logical way ensuring that all significant details are taken into account. Finally, with the help of a decision making model a person can see the facts in front of them and consider them in a rational way.

Character Map

A character map can prove helpful to a student who wants to keep track of and organize the various personalities involved in a story. A character map offers a reader a logical format in which to evaluate significant traits possessed by the characters in a piece of reading material.

  • Character Map Example: Features a blank copy of a character map to fill out and study.
  • The Role of the Character Map: Contains an explanation of the purposes of a character map and how this graphic organizer can reveal information to a student reading a story.

Main Idea Pyramid

The purpose of a main idea pyramid is to identify the main idea and then the details of a piece of writing. Once the main idea of a story is identified a student must decide which of the details in a story are important enough to include in the graphic organizer. 

Question/Answer Chart

A question and answer graphic organizer is a simple method to help a student thoroughly comprehend reading material. Answering fundamental questions about the plot of a story assists a student in understanding a writer's intentions.

Story Map

A story map is a useful graphic organizer that enhances a student's reading experience. With the help of a story map a reader is able to both absorb the key elements of a story and comprehend the writer's purpose in creating the story. By filling out a story map, a student can see the ingredients of a story clearly delineated in front of them.

Venn Diagram

A Venn diagram generally has the appearance of two overlapping large circles with a shared section of space as well as room within each circle for information. A Venn diagram can be effective in comparing and contrasting two subjects or theories. The information in the shared space of the Venn diagram accounts for the commonalities between the two subjects.

Sequence Chain

Putting the events of a plot in logical order is helpful to a student in understanding the story as a whole. A graphic organizer in the form of a sequence chain gives a student the opportunity to evaluate the important events of a story in the order they happened. 

Spider Map

Using a spider map graphic organizer helps a student to determine the main idea or theme of a piece of writing. After a student has determined the main idea, they must figure out the details and ideas that relate to it. A spider map arranges the elements of a plot to help a student figure out the importance of their role in the story.

  • Using a Spider Map: Find an illustration of a spider map and explanation on what this graphic organizer is used for.
  • A Practice Spider Map: Checkout the blank spider diagrams used to help organize thoughts and ideas.
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