Graphic organizers provide a way to organize information and put a “visual” picture in the brain. They are open-ended and encourage critical thinking. This week I'll share a variety of visual graphics for lietracy, math, science, and social studies that will challenge your students. Put those worksheets away and get your students to put on their thinking caps!
Everybody knows how to play tic-tac-toe, but did you know that the lotus diagram could also be used instead of a worksheet.
Tic-Tac-Toe- This is what I know!
Phonics - Put a letter in the middle and ask children to draw a picture or write a word with the sound in each section.
Math - Write a number in the middle and have children put different ways to make that number in each section.
Concept -Write a concept (science, social studies, etc.) in the middle and ask children to add a detail or fact in each section.
Homework - For homework, write a different activity in each section. Children can do three in a row or all of the items. It’s their choice!
*You could do the same thing when doing a unit of study. Children choose the three (or however many) that they like best.
Tasks – Children write the activities they need to do each day or during the week. (They can color them in as they complete assignments.)
Affixes – Write the prefix or suffix in the middle and then write words using the affix.
Vocabulary or Spelling – Children write a spelling word or vocabulary word in each section. When the teacher calls out words for children get to color them in.
Directions – Children listen and follow directions. (For example: Put a smiley in the upper right hand corner. Draw a star in the middle section on the left. Write your middle name in the middle, and so forth.)