1. Graphic Organizers Getting Students' Ideas in Order! Time4Writing provides these teachers materials to teachers and parents at no cost. More presentations, handouts, interactive online exercises, and video lessons are freely available at Time4Writing.com. Consider linking to these resources from your school, teacher, or homeschool educational site. The rules: These materials must maintain the visibility of the Time4Writing trademark and copyright information. They can be copied and used for educational purposes. They are not for resale. Want to give us feedback? We'd like to hear your views: info@time4writing.com Copyright 2012 www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources Copyright 2012

2. 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... Copyright 2012 www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources Copyright 2012

3. 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. Copyright 2012 www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources Copyright 2012

4. Sample Venn Diagram CATS DOGS loyal furry feline species independent canine species loners pack animals companionship domesticated often don't mind getting dirty fastidious & clean Copyright 2012 www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources Copyright 2012

5. 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. Copyright 2012 www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources Copyright 2012

6. SampIe Idea / Spider Map BREEDS Maine Coon (furry) Tabby (shorthaired) Persian (very fluffy) Cats CARE & FEEDING litter box food toys & play HEALTH vet trips shots pet insurance? BENEFITS companionship cuddles! Copyright 2012 www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources Copyright 2012

7. 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. Copyright 2012 www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources Copyright 2012

8. Sample Network Tree complexity of going back to college researching a school applying for admission enrolling in classes location courses transcripts deadlines times prerequisites Copyright 2012 www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources Copyright 2012

9. 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 Copyright 2012 www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources Copyright 2012

10. Sample Flow Chart Ideas flow logically into each other, coming to a final conclusion. It's autumn! trees drop their leaves ready for winter need to sweep leaves Copyright 2012 www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources Copyright 2012

11. 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. Copyright 2012 www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources Copyright 2012

12. The end. More free TEACHING WRITING resources: students & creative writing writing conventions critiquing & grading the writing process Eight-week WRITING courses: elementary school middle school high school Copyright 2012 www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources Copyright 2012