Sometimes, the best way to help students understand complex ideas is to give them a structure to organize their thoughts. That’s where graphic organizers come in. These visual tools help students break down information, make connections, and retain what they’ve learned.
💡 What Are Graphic Organizers?
Graphic organizers are visual frameworks like Venn diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps, and T-charts that help students:
• Organize information logically
• Compare and contrast ideas
• Sequence steps or events
• Visualize relationships between concepts
They’re simple, versatile, and effective across all content areas.
🌟 Why Teachers Love Them
• Support Critical Thinking: Students analyze and synthesize information.
• Aid Memory: Visual layouts help students retain content.
• Encourage Independence: Students can use them to study, plan, or reflect.
• Accessible for All Learners: Especially helpful for visual and ELL students.
Have your students create their own graphic organizers! Here are three examples:
- 🧠 Health Education in Action: Venn Diagrams for Disease Comparison
Lesson: Communicable vs. Non-Communicable Diseases
Graphic Organizer: Venn Diagram
Activity:
• Students list characteristics of each type of disease. Read Lesson 7.3 through 7.8 Essential Health Skills for High School. Need a preview sample to view the lessons? Request a digital preview here.
• In the center, they note similarities (e.g., both can affect quality of life, both require prevention strategies).Why it works: Helps students compare and contrast key health concepts in a clear, visual way.
- 🏃 PE in Action: Mapping Physical Fitness Components
Lesson: Understanding the 5 Components of Fitness
Graphic Organizer: Concept Map or Web
Activity:
• Students create a central bubble labeled “Physical Fitness.” Module 2, Lesson 2.1 from Fitness and Wellness Skills. Need a preview sample to view the lesson? Request a digital preview here.
• Branch out to include 4 or 5 of these components: Cardiovascular Endurance, Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Flexibility, and Body Composition.
• Add examples or activities that support each component.Why it works: Encourages students to see the big picture and understand how different fitness elements connect.
- 🛠️ CTE in Action: Flowcharts for Project Planning
Lesson: Planning a Construction or Design Project
Graphic Organizer: Flowchart
Activity:
• Students outline the steps of a project, from planning and materials gathering to execution and evaluation. See chapter 3 of Engineering Fundamentals: Design, Principles, and Careers 3e. Need a preview sample to view the chapter? Request a digital preview here.
• Include decision points (e.g., “If measurements are off, recheck blueprints”).
Why it works: Reinforces logical sequencing and real-world problem-solving—essential for technical careers.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Graphic organizers are more than just worksheets—they’re thinking tools that help students process, organize, and communicate their ideas. Whether you’re teaching health, PE, or CTE, these visual strategies can make learning more meaningful and memorable.
For other instructor support, turn to G-W's Online Instructor Resources, free with qualified purchases! Our Tools for Educators also provide activities, infographics, and instructional strategy videos. Feel free to share with your colleagues!
Photo Credits:
Thumbnail: SeventyFour/iStock.com
Image 1: Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Image 2: Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Image 3: Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
