What do graphic organizers primarily help students to do?

Graphic organizers are tools that provide a visual representation of concepts, ideas, or information, which can significantly enhance a student's understanding of text structure and relationships between ideas. They help students break down complex information into more manageable parts, making it easier to see how different concepts relate to one another. This is especially important in reading comprehension and writing, as it allows students to visualize connections and organize their thoughts coherently.

For instance, using a Venn diagram can help students compare and contrast themes or characters in literature, while a flowchart can illustrate cause-and-effect relationships within a narrative. By focusing on text structure and relationships, graphic organizers effectively facilitate deeper learning and retention of material, equipping students with skills necessary for analyzing and synthesizing information.