Many neurodivergent teens have creative ideas for their writing but have trouble putting those ideas down on paper.  Working memory challenges, learning differences, and writing challenges all make it difficult to write with a cohesive message or to remember to include important details.  

Graphic organizers help learners:

* Plan their writing before they get started.
*Create a "road map" for their writing journey.
*Use the graphic organizer as a resource they can continue to refer back to as they are writing.

Dyslexic and dysgraphic learners as well as students who struggle with working memory due to ADHD will find this class particularly useful since they can use graphic organizers to record their thoughts, create a plan for their writing, and have a concrete plan to refer back to as they move forward with their writing.

In this four week self- paced class learners will explore four different kinds of graphic organizers: mind maps,  pro-con charts, Venn diagrams, and KWL charts.  Each class will include:

1) An opening question based on the strategy of the week.

2) A short video lesson to model and explain the graphic organizer strategy of the week.

3)  Two posted graphic organizer challenges.  One challenge will be more fun and practical, the other a bit more academic.  In all cases, learner engagement will be encouraged by allowing students to choose the topics of their organizers.

4) Two extension activities that challenge students to use their organizers  develop a paragraph, presentation, or other writing project. I would love to take a look and give some limited feedback and suggestions to my self paced learners who submit work in our online classroom.

5) For self-paced learners, I will provide teacher feedback on all work that is scanned or photographed and posted in our online classroom. Learners can also share view only or editable Google Doc links if they prefer.  My focus will not be on "red pencil" correcting the students writing, but rather making suggestions or sharing strategies that would make the writing better (e.g. run a spell check, proof read, format differently, etc.)