Prewriting: Using Graphic Organizers
Targeted Standards:
W.6.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style
are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types
are defined in standards 1-3.)
W.7.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style
are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types
are defined in standards 1-3.)
W.8.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style
are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types
are defined in standards 1-3.)
Prewriting is the getting ready to write stage in the writing process. Graphic organizers can
help students to organize their thoughts and get students writing as well as assist students in
generating ideas and planning a course of action. Graphic organizers can provide students who
do not have enough experience with organizing writing to do it with a tool that helps them be
successful.
Procedure:
7. Devote time to introducing the features of a particular graphic organizer.
8. Model explicitly how to use the tool even if it seems obvious to students.
9. Provide opportunities for guided practice.
10. Provide opportunities for independent practice.
Attachment/Resources:
Graphic Organizers: https://www.teachervision.com/graphic-organizers/printable/6293.html
Houghton Mifflin 6th-8th Graphic Organizers:
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/6_8/graphorg/
Graphic Organizers for Content Instruction:
http://www.everythingesl.net/inservices/graphic_organizers.php
Graphic Organizers for Reading, Writing and Thinking
http://www.greece.k12.ny.us/academics.cfm?subpage=478
Interactive Graphic Organizers
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/essay-30063.html
Reference/Research:
Blasingame, J., & Bushman, J. H. (2005). Teaching writing in middle and secondary schools.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Merrill/Prentice Hall.
ISBE ELA Content Specialists – Writing Strategies