The benfits of the K-W-L Graphic Organizer

As my second blog post I have chosen to outline the benefits of using a K-W-L graphic organizer in the classroom. The reason I feel the K-W-L organizer is beneficial is because it transcends most age groups. Children can usually relate to a story in some fashion that can foster the K(knowing), W(Want to know), and L(learned) avenues expected. The children will begin with using the schema they each have as a introduction to the topic. 

The K-W-L organizer is best suited for small or medium groups of children. The K-W-L chart is created by making 3 separate columns on a devise, board, chart, paper etc and titled in the corresponding Know column, Want to know column and finally the Learned column. The teacher will proceed to inform the children of the subject to be discussed and given a brief introduction. The Children are first asked what is already known about this specific topic and a discussion will continue on with the teacher elaboration on the subject.

Then the teacher will maneuver the discussion to the Want to know column.   What is it about the subject that is interesting and may be discovered while reading about this subject? This will need some teacher guidance because it could get a little off track. Hopefully the teacher has organized the assignment and is well versed in the topic. That is extremely helpful keeping the children focused and on the task. The third column is reserved for the learned column. This column is to be filled out by the students and minimum guidance is necessary for proper completion. For the most part though, students will discover the topics from the previous Want to know column and discover what was to be learned.

An addition to a K-W-L that will cement those concept learned for the children is called a concept map. A concept map should be used in conjunction with the K-W-L and display the topic title in the center. The center will contain branches of topics that extend off the main topic. Those extensions may or may not have subtopics. Depending on the age/grade level, this may or may not be too elaborate. 
  
Most importantly, grade level appropriate topics, organization and guidance is key to a successful K-W-L organizer plan. I hope that you have found this blog helpful and please leave me a message.

Martin Heberling