Many learners 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 challenging to write with a cohesive message or to remember to include important details.  Graphic organizers help learners plan their writing before they get started as well as to give them a resource to refer back to as they continue to write.  They give students a “road map” for their writing journey. 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 two day class, learners will use four different graphic organizers to record their ideas: a mind map, a KWL chart, a Venn diagram and a persuasion map.  Students choose the topics of their writing to promote engagement.

Day 1:

Opening Questions:  What kind of subjects are you interested in?  What are some things that you like to do in your free time?

Model Mind Map:
Teacher shares her own mind map and learners can make suggestions about what details she should add to go deeper.

Independent Practice:
Learners make a mind map that tells the class about themselves and their interests or they can make a more detailed mind map about a subject that they are interested in.

Model Persuasion Map:
Teacher models her plan for an argumentative essay. Students make suggestions for reasons and supporting details.

Independent Practice:

Learners choose from a selection of persuasive topics or pick one of their own to argue.

Share Out Time: Students can choose to share either their mind map or their persuasion map with the class.

Day 2:

Opening Questions:  What is a kind of writing that you like to do?  What type of writing projects do you find challenging?

Model KWL Chart:
Teacher chooses the topic. Learners help develop questions, then we do some research together.

Independent Practice:
Learners produce a KWL chart about a topic that they wish to investigate.

Model Venn Diagram:
Learners co-create a Venn Diagram with the teacher.

Independent Practice: Students create their own Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting two sports, favorite characters, video games, etc.

Share Out Time:  Students choose either their KWL chart or their Venn Diagram with the class.

After class students and families can choose to use their graphic organizers for more detailed writing projects.