This chapter confirmed the importance of using graphic organizers in my classroom. I love that the book referenced the use of the right and left side of the brain as a benefit of using graphic organizers. Such a great way to differentiate the learning process!
I enjoy using graphic organizers in my classroom because it allows my kiddos to record their thinking. We tend to use graphic organizers/maps during our literacy block but I'd love to find some ways to incorporate them into our math block as well.
How We Use This Strategy:
During our guided reading rotations we use a ton of story maps. I love that even if we use a different map the kids know how to use each map because the maps ask for the same information. To save trees I usually put the pages in page protectors so we can write with dry erase markers and erase when we're done... we're trying to find ways to cut back on our paper usage!
We also use sequencing pages in much the same way... there are a ton of great graphic organizers out there to respond to reading and we use them each day during guided reading. When reading nonfiction we list facts on graphic organizers or use a main idea organizer to determine the main idea and details from our reading.
What I'd Like to Try:
I'd really like to try the word webs. I think this will really help during our writing workshop time. I have some kiddos that fall in love with a word and use it over and over again. I feel like we're at the point in the year when we need to challenge ourselves to step up our writing. I think offering up this organizer would be a great way for the kids to access the words and use them appropriately in their writing. Can't wait to give it a try!
Don't forget to visit Fabulous in First to see all the amazing ideas people are blogging about!
I don't use word webs enough either, especially in math. Thanks so much for linking up.
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