Graphic organizers are visual representations of knowledge, concepts or ideas. They are known to help

  • relieve learner boredom
  • enhance recall
  • provide motivation
  • create interest
  • clarify information
  • assist in organizing thoughts
  • promote understanding

They take many forms:

  • Relational Organizers
  • Cateogory/Classfication Organizers
    • concept maps
    • KWL tables

  • Sequence Organizers
    • Chain
    • Ladder
    • Cycle

  • Compare Contrast Organizers
    • Venn diagrams

  • Concept Development Organizers
    • story web
    • word web
    • circle chart

Resources: Inspiration Software(http://www.inspiration.com ) is a "visual thinking tool" that can be used to create graphic organizers such as concept maps, word webs, and story webs.