Choose the text. Find graphic organizers that work with the type of text used. Text structure will determine, for example, whether a Venn diagram, t-chart or some other organizer might be utilized.
Preview the text. Seperate common words from academic words. Determine which words are relevant to the lesson being taught.
List words and phrases that might be included in the graphic organizer. Creating several different possible answer keys will help anticipate questions from students.
Create a partially filled-in organizer. This will give students ideas on where to begin and what types of words they are searching for to fill in the rest. Make students aware that the blank spaces, such as circles, squares or various other shapes, represent the concepts, and the connecting lines represent the relationships.
Discuss the words and how they link together to create concepts and ideas. This step will aid in the comprehension of the material, which can then be transferred from the graphic organizer to the long-term memory of the learner.