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Graphic organizers (also called concept maps or mind maps) are a pictorial way of depicting knowledge and organizing information. They are usually a one-page form with blank areas for the student to fill in with related ideas and information about assigned topics.

Graphic organizers can be used to structure writing projects, to help in problem solving, decision making, studying, planning research and brainstorming. Graphic organizers can be drawn free-hand by the teacher or student or printed from various websites and resources. Some common examples of free graphic organizers include ‘family tree’, ‘compare and contrast’ and ‘who, what, where, when, why, and how’. Blank graphic organizers can be created with most word processing programs such as Microsoft Word.

Graphic organizers are beneficial for visual learners, students who exhibit difficulty with thought organization, memory difficulties or English Language Learners.

Blank graphic organizer made using MS Word drawing tools

Examples of free graphic organizers from EdHelper