Read Write Think

The Story Map interactive includes a set of graphic organizers designed to assist teachers and students in prewriting and post reading activities. The organizers are intended to focus on the key elements of character, setting, conflict, and resolution development. Students can develop multiple characters, for example, in preparation for writing their own fiction, or they may reflect on and further develop characters from stories they have read. After completing individual sections or the entire organizer, students have the ability to print out their final versions for feedback and assessment. The versatility of this tool allows it to be used in multiple contexts.

The Comic Creator invites students to compose their own comic strips for a variety of contexts (prewriting, pre- and postreading activities, response to literature, and so on). The organizers focus on the key elements of comic strips by allowing students to choose backgrounds, characters, and props, as well as to compose related dialogue (shown at left).

Webbing: Use this interactive to create free-form graphic organizers

Fact Fragment Frenzy, included in an extended research skills unit which also employs the Hints about Print interactive, aids students in learning the importance of finding the words in sentences and paragraphs that contain the facts they need for compiling their research. They practice by pulling important words from a text over to a virtual notebook (shown at left). The students then move to putting those notes into their own words, avoiding plagiarism. Having elementary students participate in the fact-finding process early in their school experience promises to enrich further study and enjoyment of nonfiction texts