Graphic Organizers may be utilized by any student who would like additional assistance for before, during or after reading and/or writing activities.
Students with and without learning disabilities may struggle to plan their writing or remain on topic while writing. Writing is a skill that must be taught and practiced as it is NOT developed naturally much like the ability to communicate orally. A graphic organizer may help to plan and guide writing through a brainstorming activity, such as when you create a mind map, and is often done to aid in comprehension for reading as well. A concept map or writing template may also be used for reference while completing the writing process to complete a wide variety of written genres or styles (ex. recipe, research paper, persuasive essay etc.).
Graphic organizers may use pictures or words to express ideas. For students who have difficulties with spelling, organization and fine motor skills, a graphic organizer could be uploaded to a word processing program. Students may be able to avail of the keyboard or a computer/IPad drawing tool. A computer aided version of a graphic organizer may also be beneficial for students who require speech-to-text or text-to-speech accommodations. Other students may wish to represent their ideas in a way that is more advanced or artistic with the use of paper and colored pens/pencils or a more professional computer program such as C-MAPS, Inspiration or Kidspiration.
As teachers implement the use of graphic organizers within the inclusive classroom, they are supporting a learning environment that is designed in a way that is universal. By providing students with accessible materials to engage with the curricular content, opportunities to accurately represent what they know and express what they have learned, teachers are generating equality for all. This is otherwise known as the Universal Design for Learning:
Video - UDL Overview
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