Mental pictures combined with

information work to create graphic representations.

Nonlinguistic Representations

1. Knowledge is Stored in Two Forms:

a.Linguistic- wordsb.Through Imagery- mental

pictures and physical sensations

2. Activities Which Produce Nonlinguistic

Representations

a.Making physical modelsb.Generating mental pictures

c. Drawing pictures and pictographs

d.Engaging in kinesthetic activity

3. Graphic Organizers

a. Descriptive Patterns: represent facts, (person, place, things,

events) b. Time Sequence Patterns

c. Cause/Effect Patternsd. Episode patterns

e. Concept Patterns: words or phrases that represent categories of facts.

f. Generalization/Principle Patterns

Graphic Organizers (GOs)

A graphic organizer is a tool or process to build word knowledge by relating similarities of meaning to the definition of a word. This can relate to any subject—math, history, literature, etc.

Why are Graphic Organizers Important?

• GOs connect content in a meaningful way to help students gain a clearer understanding of the material (Fountas & Pinnell, 2001, as cited in Baxendrall, 2003).

• GOs help students maintain the information over time (Fountas & Pinnell, 2001, as cited in Baxendrall, 2003).

How to Use Graphic Organizers in the Classroom

• Teacher-Directed Approach

• Student-Directed Approach

Teacher-Directed Approach

1. Provide a partially complete GO for students

2. Have students read instructions or information

3. Fill out the GO with students4. Review the completed GO5. Assess students using an incomplete

copy of the GO

Student-Directed Approach• Teacher uses a GO cover sheet with

prompts– Example: Teacher provides a cover sheet

that includes page numbers and paragraph numbers to locate information needed to fill out GO

• Teacher acts as a facilitator• Students check their answers with a

teacher copy supplied on the overhead

Strategies to Teach Graphic Organizers

• Framing the lesson• Previewing• Modeling with a think aloud• Guided practice• Independent practice• Check for understanding• Peer mediated instruction• Simplifying the content or structure of the GO

Types of Graphic Organizers

• Hierarchical diagramming

• Sequence charts

• Compare and contrast charts

A Simple Hierarchical Graphic Organizer

A Simple Hierarchical Graphic Organizer - example

Algebra

Calculus Trigonometry

Geometry

MATH

Another Hierarchical Graphic Organizer

Category

Subcategory Subcategory Subcategory

List examples of each type

Hierarchical Graphic Organizer – example

Algebra

Equations Inequalities

2x +

3 =

15

10y

= 10

04x

= 1

0x -

6

14 < 3x + 7

2x > y

6y ≠ 15

Category

What is it?Illustration/Example

What are some examples?

Properties/Attributes

What is it like?

Subcategory

Irregular set

Compare and Contrast

Positive Integers

Numbers

What is it?Illustration/Example

What are some examples?

Properties/Attributes

What is it like?

Fractions

Compare and Contrast - example

Whole Numbers Negative Integers

Zero

-3, -8, -4000

6, 17, 25, 100

0

Series of Definitions

Word = Category + Attribute

= +

Definitions: ______________________

________________________________

________________________________

Series of Definitions – example

Word = Category + Attribute

= +

Definition: A four-sided figure with four equal sides and four right angles.

Square Quadrilateral 4 equal sides & 4 equal angles (90°)

Graphic Organizer Summary

• GOs are a valuable tool for assisting students with LD in basic mathematical procedures and problem solving.

• Teachers should:– Consistently, coherently, and creatively

use GOs.– Employ teacher-directed and student-

directed approaches.– Address individual needs via curricular

adaptations.