Download: Graphic organizers to help kids with reading

Expert reviewed by Ginny Osewalt
Kids who struggle with reading can improve their reading comprehension by using graphic organizers. These simple, visual tools allow kids to break down stories and nonfiction texts. They also help kids keep track of thoughts as they read.
Graphic organizers come in many forms. The six downloads included here are intended for grade-schoolers. But older students may also find them useful. Each graphic organizer comes with a template and a filled-in example.
Kids can use these graphic organizers in one of two ways:
- Print them out and fill them in by hand while reading.
- Type directly into the organizers and then print them when complete.
Educators: Learn how to use these graphic organizers along with evidence-based teaching strategies.
Summarizing graphic organizerPDF
Story elements graphic organizerPDF
Main idea graphic organizerPDF
Retelling graphic organizerPDF
KWL chart graphic organizerPDF
Character traits graphic organizerPDF
Key takeaways
About the author

About the author
The Understood Team is made up of passionate writers and editors. Many of them have kids who learn and think differently.
Reviewed by

Reviewed by
Ginny Osewalt is a dually certified elementary and special education teacher with more than 15 years of experience in general education, inclusion, resource room, and self-contained settings.