Some kids HATE writing….Let’s face it, writing is the most laborous part of the school day. Whether we are writing about reading, or writing just to write, blank lines OVERWHELM many kids.
As we continue our journey through the school year, I wanted to share a strategy that’s been making a positive impact with opinion/persuasive writing in my third-grade class: graphic organizers.
Over the years, I’ve noticed how using graphic organizers has significantly helped students plan and structure their writing effectively. From brainstorming ideas to organizing thoughts, these tools have proven beneficial for all skill levels, providing the necessary scaffolding to support even our most struggling writers.
What’s great about graphic organizers is their versatility. They’re not one size fits all, and this adaptability is particularly helpful in our diverse classroom. Different organizers cater to various writing styles and preferences, ensuring that each student can find a tool that suits their needs.
One key observation I’ve made is the importance of ensuring the graphic organizers have enough space for our young writers to jot down their ideas. It’s essential to strike a balance where they’re helpful without being overwhelming. Our goal is to guide them, not create barriers.
As we explore different graphic organizers, let’s keep in mind that our students might resonate with different approaches. Some might benefit from a simple web, while others could thrive with a more detailed story map. The idea is to empower them to express themselves while providing the necessary structure.
I have grouped together all of my opinion writing graphic organizers so that they are easy to pull from. We typically start with writing a persuasive paragraph (see our fun craft here), then we write persuasive paragraphs that include one counterclaim. We then move on to a 4 paragraph model, which includes an introduction, 2 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Last, we focus on the full 5 paragraph model. This gradual progression and the graphic organizers help to build up student’s confidence and stamina.
~Heather
