When introducing graphic organizers, demonstrate how to use them with familiar content. Use the “think aloud” strategy to explain why and how to use it. Collaborate with students during this process in order to increase their engagement with the organizer. Scaffold new graphic organizers in order to aid them as they are learning the structure and use of each specific organizer.
Work toward having students memorize the graphic organizer structure, when they should use it, and how they should use it. Otherwise, students won’t use it strategically or independently because they will not remember how.
Provide students with several opportunities to practice using each organizer. This is a key reason to be selective about which specific organizers to use for each thinking and comprehension strategy.
