Graphic organizers provide a tool for organizing data collected while researching a given topic or topics. Many basic types of organizers such as spider maps are commonly known. However any arrangements of lines and shapes onto which people place information to assist them in gathering facts is a graphic organizer. This tool helps people organize their data and helps the creator identify weak areas of a project for which more information must be located.

Types

Choose the type of graphic organizer for the "About Me" topic based on the type of project that might result from the graphic organizer. Types of graphic organizers include sequential organizers that report data chronologically, main-idea organizers that contain one central idea from which less important details sprout and multiple-idea organizers that maintain balanced information about a number of ideas. If the end project includes a biographical story, a chronological organizer might be the best choice.

Fact gathering

Gather facts to place on the About Me graphic organizer. Depending on the amount of detail in the project, you may choose to take notes in the form of a list of details that you later transfer to the graphic organizer so you do not forget any important information. Speak with family members, old family friends and teachers to discover information you wish to include. Gather basic data such as birth weight and family ancestor names as well as interesting details such as an unusual place where you lived.

Creating

Your graphic organizer may be as simple as a hand-drawn poster. Or you might wish to be more creative and produce a three-dimensional poster or model that contains mementos from your life. Include items such as childhood toys, baby shoes or socks, school projects and favorite souvenirs. Another option for creating the organizer uses technology. You can create a printed graphic organizer using a computer word processing program and the draw tool to make the shapes or lines needed. Another technology choice is a computer slide show program. In the case of the slide show, each slide contains a different part of the graphic organizer. The graphic organizer, in any form, can be a major project. Teachers often find that graphic organizers help students see connections and relationships among organized pieces of data. Organizers also assist in the creation of larger projects.

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Types of graphic organizers

Graphic organizer use