Do you have trouble getting started on a writing project because you can’t quite clarify and organize your ideas? Try a graphic organizer.
Graphic organizers are diagrams or charts that help organize information in a visual way.
First, brainstorm ideas and jot down information. Let your ideas free flow and don’t worry about perfection. Then, use a graphic organizer to make connections between your ideas and information and formulate ways to organize your writing.
The benefits of graphic organizers:
- Assists with brainstorming and the free flow of ideas
- Helps to categorize and organize ideas and information
- Visualizing the connections between ideas and information helps develop an outline or structure for the writing project
To create a graphic organizer, you can use Drawing tools in document applications. However, there are many existing graphic organizer templates you can use. Don’t miss the resources at the end of the article for free downloadable graphic organizers.
Google: Use Google Drawings in Drive to create graphic organizers
To create a graphic organizer, log into your free Google account.
- Open Google Drive.
- Press New.
- Select More from the drop down.
- Click Google Drawings.
- Start creating a graphic organizer by clicking the Shape button and select a shape. Click and drag the mouse cursor to insert the shape.
- Continue to insert shapes and arrows or lines.
- Click the Text Box button to add a text box inside each shape. Now, you can type information into each text box to fill out the graphic organizer.
Google Help article: Create, insert & edit drawings
Microsoft: Drawing tool not included in free Word Online
Bad news first: A drawing tool is not included in the free productivity applications by Microsoft. If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription or a paid desktop application, you can use the SmartArt tool to create your own graphic organizer. Instructions can be found in the Microsoft Support article: Create a SmartArt graphic.
Now, the good news: (1) Free downloadable PDF graphic organizers are available. Check out the resources at the end of the article. (2) You can use Google Drawings for free to create a graphic organizer or use existing templates.
More tools for getting started on a writing project
Explore all the tech tools to help you get started on a writing project. First, break the assignment into small manageable pieces. Then, just let your thoughts free flow. Capture those thoughts using a graphic organizer or a dictation tool. Next, organize your ideas and find a template to provide structure to your writing. And use collaboration tools if working with a group and/or for peer review and editing.
- Break the writing task into small steps. Use a digital calendar and reminders for each step.
- Structure writing with a document template
- Record ideas or write a draft using a dictation tool
- Use collaboration tools for collaborative projects or or peer review
Resources
Free graphic organizer templates
30 Free Google Drawings Graphic Organizers – free downloadable graphic organizers (Google Drawing) from Control Alt Achieve
Free Graphic Organizer Templates – list of free downloadable graphic organizers (PDF files) from the textbook company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Graphic Organizers – free downloadable graphic organizers (Google Drawing) from Driving Digital Learning
Download: Graphic organizers to help kids with reading – free downloadable PDF graphic organizers from Understood
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