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Harnessing the Idea Whirlwind
for primary grade levels
by Lynn Noel 
Early learning can become a whirlwind of new words, ideas and thoughts in a young student’s mind. Students often need a little help in gathering their thoughts and ideas together so they can use them for different forms of communication. The use of graphic organizers or visual mind maps can help primary students to organize these words and ideas. Some organizers help students arrange their ideas in a sequence or a specific order. Others allow students to start with a word and idea and branch off from it. The organizers can also help students to see the big picture once all the ideas are connected together. Reviewing information and clarify thinking are good uses for the organizers as follow up of instruction.
Technology tools can be helpful in providing young students with a visual picture of their thoughts and ideas. Kidspiration™ is an easy to use software application that provides graphic organizers using pictures, words, and ideas and can easily transfer them into outline and draft forms. Use of online organizers on the internet can provide additional tools for young students to capture those words, ideas and thoughts and learn how to connect them for communicating with others. Check out some of the organizers geared toward the primary level.
- (2007). Ideas for using Kidspiration™ in writing.
- Retrieved November 9, 2007, from The Writing Site Web site: http://thewritingsite.org/resources/technology/kidspiration.asp
- Johnson, L. & Lamb, A. (2007, June). Graphic Organizers.
- Retrieved November 9, 2007, from Teacher Tap: Professional Development Resources for Educators and Librarians Web site: http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic73.htm
Lynn Noel
Lynn Noel, former special education teacher, first grade teacher, Title I coordinator and building technology coordinator, is an independent consultant. Among other roles and contractual arrangements with local school districts and the Indiana Dept. of Education, she is a facilitator for the Buddy project and a trainer for the BTLC.
visit other tips for technology integration:
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