How do you differentiate instruction and support for diverse learners using graphic organizers for reading?

2 Types of graphic organizers

Graphic organizers are a great tool for reading, as they can be tailored to a variety of texts and purposes. For instance, KWL charts help students record what they know, want to know, and learn from the text. Venn diagrams are useful for comparing and contrasting two or more topics, characters, or events. Story maps are helpful for identifying the elements of a story, such as setting, characters, plot, conflict, and resolution. Additionally, cause and effect charts help students understand the causes and effects of events or actions in the text. Lastly, concept maps help students visualize the relationships among concepts and ideas in the text.

3 How to use graphic organizers

To use graphic organizers effectively for reading, you should first choose the appropriate one based on the genre, level, and complexity of the text, as well as the learning objectives. Introduce the graphic organizer to the students and explain how to use it. Model how to fill in the graphic organizer with an example text or a part of the text. Guide the students to use it while reading the text, providing feedback and support as needed. After reading, review and discuss the graphic organizer with them, asking them to share their responses and reflections on the text. Help them to synthesize and evaluate the information from the text.

4 How to differentiate graphic organizers

To differentiate graphic organizers for diverse learners, you must take into account the readiness level of the students, their learning style, and their interest and motivation. You can modify the graphic organizer to suit the students' reading level, background knowledge, and skills by providing more or less scaffolding. Additionally, you can offer different options for the students to choose from or allow them to create their own graphic organizers using different formats such as tables, charts, diagrams, or maps. Furthermore, you can relate the graphic organizer to the students' interests, preferences, and goals by using topics, texts, or themes that are relevant and engaging for them. Involving the students in selecting or designing their own graphic organizers can also be beneficial.

5 Examples of graphic organizers

To demonstrate how graphic organizers can be used and adapted for reading, here are some examples. For a persuasive text, a T-chart can help students identify the author's claim and evidence, with sentence starters such as "The author claims that..." and "The author supports this claim by...". Students can also evaluate the strength and validity of the evidence. For a biographical text, a timeline can assist in sequencing the events and achievements of a person's life, which can be differentiated by using symbols, colors, or images. Students can also compare and contrast the person's life with their own or another person's life. For a informational text, a main idea and details chart can be used to summarize the key points and facts from the text. Different shapes, sizes, or levels can show the hierarchy and importance of the information while students generate their own questions or connections based on the information.