Graphic Organizers

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Home : 2005 : May : 4

Graphic Organizers
By Bob

This is something I've been trying and perfecting for the last 3 years; I have a large section of wall I'm allowed to post onto, and I place my graphic organizer onto this wall for the entire year. I use a thematic approach.
I start with a central theme that fits all the units, and place my unit themes coming out from the central theme in a standard webbing.
I have found a way around the problem of standard webbing being difficult to read for some students. My central theme is at the top, rather than the middle. All information eventually comes down from the top, from general information to more specific

information. I do still spider chart around blocks as needed with supporting details. I use strips of scrap brown construction paper to connect the blocks of my web. The blocks are multicolored. Using the same connecting colors and style of connections the entire year, all students have been able to read and use the web successfully.
The problems--keeping up with it. I add to it during specified lessons. It's a slow process involving much discussion. Tips--I have materials ready to post. I post a block onto the wall first and then write on it and read aloud as I write. I'd rather take the time for students to do all the writing, but time is too limited in my situation for that.
I take down one unit before starting to post the next unit. If all the units could fit up at the same time, what a wonderful thematic lesson that would create! I combine my social studies/science. Examples: The Kwakiutl lived near an ocean habitat, how did the early settlers use machines, etc.
Reviews sometimes become reading from the chart.
Tips--I turn the review into a discussion about what's on the chart. I combine this with a KWL chart on the bulletin board, and students research and find information to our questions to add to the graphic organizer.