Our students struggle to grasp concepts independently in the classroom. We need to break it down to teach it differently. Graphic organizers help us to do so.

You may not think graphic organizers are helpful in speech therapy, but they're an essential learning tool! Read how I use graphic organizers in my lessons.

What are graphic organizers?

Graphic organizers are tools that use visual symbols to express knowledge, concepts, thoughts, or ideas, and the relationships between them. The main purpose of a graphic organizer is to provide a visual aid to facilitate learning and instruction. They can be used to organize auditory information heard and how to respond to questions/tasks. They help our students see visually what is expected of them, what they should focus on, and breaks complex tasks down for them.

You may not think graphic organizers are helpful in speech therapy, but they're an essential learning tool! Read how I use graphic organizers in my lessons.

What goals can benefit from graphic organizers?

Sequencing
Compare/contrast
Inferencing
Summarizing
Main Idea
Listening for details
Describing
Cause/effect
Problem/solution
Context Clues
And more!

You may not think graphic organizers are helpful in speech therapy, but they're an essential learning tool! Read how I use graphic organizers in my lessons.

What does the evidence show?

There is plenty of evidence demonstrating the benefits of using graphic organizers. One such study recommended the use of graphic organizers for teaching expository text structures with students to improve reading comprehension. A popular strategy to help students understand expository texts is to teach the various types of text structures: cause-and-effect, compare/contrast, problem/solution, etc. When students know the underlying organization of the information will help them create a working model of it in their minds, resulting in a better understanding and ability to recall. (Pyle et al., 2017).

Things to consider:

Students need to learn HOW to use graphic organizers
Students need to learn which graphic organizer should be used with each type of text
Students need to learn the different types of texts
Students need tons of practice
It helps to share with teachers the graphic organizers you are using with your students so they can carryover skill in their classrooms

You may not think graphic organizers are helpful in speech therapy, but they're an essential learning tool! Read how I use graphic organizers in my lessons.

How can you teach text structures?

Make sure students comprehend each type individually
Have them recognize key words in questions that may help them know what is expected of them
By comprehending what the gist of the text is about can help them predict the type of text structures.
Make it visual!
Provide tons of practice! See below how I use my “What Is the Text Structure Toolbox QR Code Fun” activity!

Using Graphic Organizers is Essential in Speech Therapy

How can you teach how to use a graphic organizer?

Practice practice practice!
You can practice using it without a text. You can use pictures, personal narratives, or fake scenarios.
Model how to complete them.
Fill in some and have them finish it using models.
You can use my graphic organizers for SLPs resource to help you since I included practice pages!

You may not think graphic organizers are helpful in speech therapy, but they're an essential learning tool! Read how I use graphic organizers in my lessons.

Students still struggling to comprehend how to use graphic organizers?

You can help your students by providing them with the answers for them to sort to complete it. I provided this opportunity in my Venn Diagram Practice resource and my Compare/Contrast Stories resource!

You may not think graphic organizers are helpful in speech therapy, but they're an essential learning tool! Read how I use graphic organizers in my lessons.

Organization of Graphic Organizers Tips and Tricks

Keep copies ready to go with your task cards or activities
You can display commonly used graphic organizers easily in your therapy room using magnetic folders. Grab this free graphic organizer HERE!
Learn more about the magnetic folder I used to store my graphic organizers by clicking HERE!

You may not think graphic organizers are helpful in speech therapy, but they're an essential learning tool! Read how I use graphic organizers in my lessons.