What it is
Outlining assistive technology software programs support the writing process by collecting ideas and information in any order and then providing organization choices for sentence and paragraph development.
Strategies
• Directly instruct students on how to use available graphic organizer programs.
• Model effective strategies for learning, as teachers learn new programs along with students.
• Use graphic organizer programs regularly as part of whole class instructional lessons for various subjects, using a projector.
• Consider developing or providing basic instructions on how to access and get started on using the programs.
• Regularly require the use of graphic organizer programs for all students in various subject areas.
• Ensure use of graphic organizer programs for students with it listed as an accommodation in their IEP, for all writing tasks.
• Conference with small groups on the use of graphic organizer programs.
• Select student leaders to mentor other students on graphic organizer programs.
• Consider doing a trial of testing students’ writing without graphic organizers and then with graphic organizer.
• Provide students with free down load information for home use of graphic organizers.
• Inform parents of graphic organizer programs and their benefits.
• Access school and board supports for additional resources and training on graphic organizer programs.
Resources