Graphic organizers help you organize information in a way that is meaningful and helps you to think in more depth about the subject. Here is an example:
I'm sure you will agree that it is much easier to understand the similarities and differences between WWI and WWII when you are looking at it in a graphic format such as this venn diagram.
Simply put, organizers empower you to learn:
I don't know about you, but that's enough to get me interested! Especially learning more easily :-)
Want More of An Explanation?
Because of the visual spatial elements of graphic organizers, you do not have to use as much thought processing....in other words, more learning, less brain power! Or as I like to think of it, it uses up less of your battery.
So if we are talking about your child imagine this. Your child wakes up everyday with a full battery (hopefully!!) Thought processing takes up a lot of that battery, especially if children are made to learn things in a way that is not their personal learning style. For more about learning styles you should check out my article on Right Brain Left Brain. So if organizers make learning easier then your child is left with more or their battery for the rest of the day. Make sense?
Organizer vs Outline
Let me give you an example so you can see how much easier it is to relate to information that is graphically presented as opposed to information that is in a "line item" or outline format.
Here's the venn diagram again, now compare the diagram to the following to the outline format below. Which is easier to remember?:
Comparison of WWI and WWII
You must admit, the visual representation of this information as opposed to the "line item" method is MUCH more interesting to look at and so much easier to remember!
You can use organizers in all subject areas for:
For more examples of click here or visit the links below.
Graphic Organizers are a great way to learn and retain information.
Cause and Effect
Click here for information on how cause and effect organizers can be used.
Click here for more organizer ideas and a varied selection of free organizers.
Yes!! Click Here and Learn How to Make Creative Flash Cards that actually work!