Now that the prompt has been introduced and students brainstormed ideas for the prompt, it is time for Writing Mini Lesson #14- Graphic Organizers for Narrative Writing. This mini lesson is ideal for any writing curriculum and is a part of a series of mini lessons for writer’s workshop designed for scaffolding through the writing process.
WHY SHOULD I USE GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS?
Graphic organizers will not only organize students’ thoughts, but also reminds the writers to include all parts of the essay. It helps keep the flow of the essay when writing a rough draft.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT GRAPHIC ORGANIZER?
Knowing that you want students to create a 5-paragraph essay, choose a graphic organizer that provides areas to include an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion so writers can gather their thoughts and set up their essay.
WHERE CAN I GET A GRAPHIC ORGANIZER?
Click the picture above or click HERE for some free organizers to place in your writing center.
CAN STUDENTS MAKE THEIR OWN GRAPHIC ORGANIZER?
Once students get used to the necessary parts of the essay and using graphic organizers, I like to allow them to choose from a variety of organizers that work well for that type of writing or create their own. They may want to make different shapes (even ones that are related to their writing). They get very creative! Having students own their organizer will help them remember the essay set up for future assignments and make it fun for them.
HOW CAN I HELP DIFFERENT NEEDS IN MY CLASSROOM?
Most classrooms have students with different needs. Some students need lines and others don’t. Some need primary lines or large spaces whereas others prefer small lines to write more. I designed 90+ writing graphic organizers with all these kiddos in mind. There are differentiated graphic organizers for paragraphs and essays. You will find are a variety of formats and spacing. Print them off and allow student to choose the one that best fits their needs!
Do you want ideas for setting up a writing center? Click HERE.
I hope you gained some ideas for your students! Continue exploring the mini lessons below!
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This lesson is also included in the STEP-BY-STEP WRITING® Program with mini-lessons designed to scaffold through the writing process. Writing units included are sentence structure, paragraph writing, narrative writing, opinion writing, and informative writing. See what is included in the image below and click on it to learn more about them! You will turn your reluctant writers into ROCKSTAR WRITERS™!
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