Explain what a "graphic organizer" is and its use in reading.

A graphic organizer is a visual aid designed to help students systematically arrange information, making it easier to comprehend and analyze relationships between different concepts in a text. It serves as a framework that visually represents information, making abstract ideas more concrete. Through various formats such as charts, diagrams, or webs, graphic organizers enable students to break down complex information into manageable parts, thus enhancing their understanding and retention.

In reading instruction, graphic organizers support comprehension by allowing students to visually map out the main ideas, supporting details, and connections within the text. This can facilitate deeper engagement with the material, improve critical thinking skills, and assist in synthesizing information for further discussion or writing. By using graphic organizers, students can effectively organize their thoughts, making connections between prior knowledge and new information, ultimately leading to a richer understanding of the reading material.