Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers are charts that help you to organize your thoughts and ideas.  They help guide your information gathering, focus your purpose, and show you what you have and what is missing.  There are many different types of graphic organizers to choose from.  You should choose the organizer that fits the topic and that you are comfortable with. 

webbing

clustering

topic/ word chart

chain of events: A chronological order of events, actions, or steps in a procedure.  Key questions: What are the stages or steps?  How do they lead to one another?  What is the final outcome? 

compare and contrast chart

concept mapping

continuum

storyboard/ comic strip

cycle

fishbone map

spider map

problem/ solution outline: Represents a problem, possible solutions and results.  Key questions: What is the problem?  What/ who has the problem?  Why is it a problem?  What attempts can be made to solve the problem?  What could the end results be or what are the end results? 

short story analysis

Venn diagram

helping hand

star questions

reporter's questions

K-W-L chart

R.A.F.T.S

5 senses chart

question/ prediction chart

story map

tree mapping

blueprinting

lists