What is the purpose of graphic organizers in reading instruction?

Graphic organizers serve as versatile tools in reading instruction primarily because they help visually represent the main points and structural elements of a text. By organizing information in a visual format, such as charts, diagrams, or mind maps, they enable students to see relationships between ideas, identify key concepts, and enhance their comprehension of the material. This visual representation aids in the understanding and retention of information by breaking down complex texts into more manageable segments.

While creating artwork related to text might engage students creatively, it does not directly support comprehension or organization of the text. Promoting group discussions can be a beneficial teaching strategy but is not the primary function of graphic organizers. Similarly, while they may provide some entertainment value in an educational setting, graphic organizers are fundamentally focused on enhancing understanding and retention of reading material rather than serving as a source of entertainment.