Graphic Organizers
Getting Students' Ideas in Order!
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What is a Graphic Organizer?
1) It is a diagram with compartments in which
students can set down ideas.
2) The parts of the diagram can be arranged to show
how these ideas relate to each other.
3) The compartments can also be used to show the
flow of ideas through the essay or story.
There are many different types of graphic
organizers. Here are a few samples...
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The Venn Diagram
is great for comparing & contrasting!
1) This type of organizer allows students to compare features that
are common, and contrast those that are different.
2) Whether students are working on writing ideas or characters,
each gets one circle. Then, they put details about each into its
own circle.
3) The overlapping areas of the circles show the common points,
and the non-overlapping areas show the unique points.
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Sample Venn Diagram
CATS
feline
species
DOGS
pack
animals
furry
companionship
independent
domesticated
fastidious &
clean
loners
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often don't
mind getting
dirty
loyal
canine species
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The Idea Map
(or Spider Map)
1) With this type of graphic organizer, students put the main
topic of their essay in the center of the page.
2) Then they brainstorm, writing supporting ideas all
around the page.
3) They should put ideas that relate to each other together,
in the same section of the page.
4) Eventually ideas (and related details) that they can use to
support their main topic become clear.
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SampIe Idea / Spider Map
CARE & FEEDING
litter box
food
toys & play
BREEDS
Maine Coon (furry)
Tabby (shorthaired)
Persian (very fluffy)
HEALTH
vet trips
shots
pet insurance?
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Cats
BENEFITS
companionship
cuddles!
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The Network Tree
1) In this type of graphic organizer, students put the main topic at
the top of the page and circle it.
2) Then, as if doing a family tree, students diagram each idea that
flows from that main topic by branching and, again, circling.
3) Students then continue to add lower levels to show further ideas
flowing from those immediately above them.
This organizer may demonstrate how some things cause others,
how some things must exist before others can occur,
or how ideas can be narrowed down.
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Sample Network Tree
complexity of
going back to
college
researching
a school
location
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applying for
admission
courses
transcripts
deadlines
enrolling in
classes
times
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prerequisites
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The Flow Chart
This is often the simplest type of graphic organizer.
Students list ideas or events in a sequential order:
• chronologically, or
• by a cause & effect relationship, or
• based on a logical progression, or
• mapping out different possibilities or
outcomes
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Sample Flow Chart
It's
autumn!
trees drop
their
leaves
need to
sweep
leaves
ready for
winter
Ideas flow logically into each other, coming to a
final conclusion.
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There are many other types of
Graphic Organizers
You can print the ones we have provided and have your students
start filling them in.
You may also find software (often called mind-mapping software)
that allows students to organize their ideas online.
Providing these tools to your students will help them organize
their ideas before writing a coherent essay or story.
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The end.
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