Book Study: Chapter 5: Graphic Organizers, Semantic Maps, and Word Webs

Time to highlight strategies that engage both sides of the brain!
I'm linking up with Michelle at Fabulous in First to recap Chapter 5 of Worksheet's Don't Grow Dendrites by Marcia L. Tate.

I did a quick Google search and came across an article with these "FACTS"  about visual learners.

FACT: Approximately 65 percent of the population is visual learners.
FACT: The brain processes visual information 60,000 faster than text.
FACT: 90 percent of information that comes to the brain is visual.
FACT: 40 percent of all nerve fibers connected to the brain are linked to the retina.
FACT: Visual aids in the classroom improve learning by up to 400 percent.

I'm definitely one of those in the 65% of visual learners. A good graphic organizer is the glue by brain needs to secure information!

I frequently get out my Mr. Sketch Markers to create graphic organizers for our literacy and math units.

I had big plans to share some pics.....one being a cute word web on "How Seeds Are Planted"
but ALAS! I have the blogger's ever-dreaded....."case-of-the-missing-pictures"! Nooooooo!
(I took pictures, but they have mysteriously deleted themselves...hmmm....)

OK, plan B:
Here are examples of graphic organizers that I use in shared writing. (Follow the links to some amazing blogs with loads of resources to implement the stragety from this chapter!)

Check out A Cupcake for the Teacher for a FREEBIE

We use "Can, Have, Are" charts for several science units (polar bears, penguins, sharks...)

Stop on by Peterson's Pad for more great graphic organizers.

We created polar bear reports from our "Can, Have, Are" chart.

KWL charts lend themsleves to any topic. Great for the beginning of a unit.... especially about "Space" (I'm always amazed at the depth of their "What I Wonder" responses.)

Source: Ship Shape First Grade

I'm looking forward to gleaning some great ideas from all of you that are much better at taking pictures of your graphic organizer masterpieces!