This package of 5 graphic organizers includes the following:
note-taking organizer
persuasive writing map
problem-solution summarizing map
summary map 1
summary map 2
The Big Squeeze (narrowing a topic)

These graphic organizers are largely intended for use in language arts (reading and writing), though the summarizing and note-taking organizers would also be useful in the content areas (science and social studies) or for any nonfiction reading material. All of the organizers would be helpful for use with students with special learning needs such as attention deficit, processing, learning disabilities, or ESOL (ELL / ESL). They also address that all-important non-verbal component of instruction which helps us to meet the needs of diverse learners with differing learning styles or intelligences.

Though any of the organizers could stand alone as a lesson springboard, the summarizing organizers are particularly useful for introducing or reviewing writing summaries, whether from fiction or non-fiction texts. They would also be helpful for a small group of students who struggle with summarizing. I have also used them with students who need help in organizing their thoughts for book reports.

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