Graphic Organizers for Opinion Writing
Try the OREO method of preparing grade 3-5 students to effectively think through and construct written opinions.  Several organizers, examples and methods on how to get 'good stuff' in the middle.  OREO
3 -2 -1
After reading, students write about three things they discovered, two things they found interesting, and one question they still have.

Staff example: Mrs. Litt (Click here to view)
Template

AVID

Identify 8 points in the text, assign a value to each, and justify your order.

Template

Character Charts

Definition: When a book has multiple characters, a character chart may be helpful. Students fill out the grid as they read. This graphic organizer may be helpful in book discussions, writing activity or as an exam.  (DR p61)

Template
CONCEPT / DEFINITION MAP
This strategy helps students to understand new vocabulary or a concept. It is a graphic display that focuses on category, characteristics or properties, and illustrations. It is always important to model the strategy before students are expected to practice it.

Lesson and organizer
Lesson with video and SmartBoard examples.
DOUBLE-ENTRY DIARY / JOURNAL
The Double-Entry Journal strategy enables students to record their responses to text as they read.  Link to templates.
Picture
Math Example http://lindseycain.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/doubleentryjournal-example.jpg

Flip-Side  Chart


  1. Every statement has a flip-side, or negative view.
  2. Have students use a t-chart-- place the actual event on the left hand side and have them consider why this event might be negative. For example, the actual event could be that you can buy a new camcorder with no interest for a year. The flip-side to this is that once that year is up the interest rate could be 20%.
Teaching them to consider the flip side of what they read allows them to sharpen their ability to dig under the surface of the text. 

Template

FRAYER MODEL
The Frayer Model uses a graphic organizer to make personal connections and go beyond reciting and memorizing a vocabulary word.

Generating questions before, during & After Reading

Readers who are actively engaged in text continuously self question as they read.  This strategy can be used with any text, fiction or non-fiction.  Excellent strategy for content areas.  This is a step by step process which includes a Before, During, and After questioning chart.
Link to Template

JUST the FACTS

Organize details and facts from text.
Details & template.

Say / Mean Chart

This t-chart is an effective way to promote higher-level thinking skills. This chart can be used with any type of challenging texts, including articles, poetry, novels, etc. 
  1. On the left side of the chart students are asked to write what the passage says literally. 
  2. On the right side they are to infer what the passage means. 
  3. For example: What does the cartoon say? (Left side) What does it mean? (Right side) (DR)

Template (PDF)
Template (Google Template)
Variations: Say-Mean-Matter

Shift Charts

Definition: 
A shift chart helps keep track of how characters change and develop throughout a story or text.

Template 
SUMMARIZATION TEMPLATE

Summarization template

Students can be taught to summarize using this template before, during, and after a unit of instruction.  
  1. Students will complete the first column before any lessons are presented in order to be prepared for learning.  
  2. During the presentation of each lesson, students complete the second column, adding important words related to the unit of study; important events; and significant people.  
  3. After the unit of study, students then compose three sentences related to the topic.


Template
THREE 4 THINKING
This thinking strategy can be used with text, video, or it can be recreated to fit your needs. (See the example below.) It serves as a guide for students as they read or complete a task. After completion, this activity can be used as a guide in small group/whole class discussions.

Fancy Template