Customize Graphic Organizer Templates
If you're assigning this to your students, copy the worksheet to your account and save. When creating an assignment, just select it as a template!
What Are Graphic Organizers?
Graphic Organizers are visual tools that help students plan and organize their ideas. They can also be used to brainstorm ideas, simplify or organize information and concepts, summarize, synthesize, aid in note taking, help with decision making, planning research, sequencing, problem solving, and so much more! Storyboard That offers tons of different options for teachers and students to choose from, so that you can have your own custom graphic organizer templates in no time!
What is a Graphic Organizer Worksheet?
This type of worksheet is a printable or digital organizer that can be used in all subject areas. Teachers and students can create graphic organizers from scratch using our incredible storyboard creator, or choose from the many that we have already created. Students learn how to plan and organize their ideas when they have more structure already laid out on the page, setting them up for progress and success.
Benefits of Using Graphic Organizer Templates
The benefits of graphic organizer templates in the classroom are endless. Here are just a few reasons why they are essential tools for both teachers and students:
- Hands on learning: Student engagement increases when they are involved in the mapping out their thinking and planning process.
- Deeper understanding: Breaking down big ideas into small pieces helps students better comprehend the topic. Visual representations are highly beneficial to students with learning disabilities, executive functioning issues, and those who are learning another language.
- Aids in critical thinking: Using graphic organizer templates, students learn to think cognitively and critically when it comes to choosing what information should be included in their planning. They can also help students think critically while strengthening their problem solving skills.
- Helpful tools for studying and learning: Because graphic organizers help students write and visualize information, they are more likely to retain what they are including in their notes in visibly different sections. These tools are not just for prioritizing, organizing, and planning! They are also quite effective study tools!
- They are FUN!: With so many graphic organizer templates to choose from, Storyboard That helps make using these tools fun and creative. Students can even customize their own to use digitally, or before they are printed out. The options are simply endless with our huge library or art, infographics, wireframes, and more!
What are the Different Types of Graphic Organizer Templates?
Storyboard That has all of the commonly used organizers at your fingertips. We have everything from a balloon graphic organizer to a hamburger organizer - to help structure writing projects, of course! Here are just some of what we have to offer, along with a brief description of each:
T-Chart: A t-chart separates information typically into a two column chart, although they could be separated into a three column chart or a four column chart. T-charts are useful for comparing and contrasting, separating information into groups, and for showing change.
KWL Chart: A KWL chart is the perfect tool to use at the beginning of a new lesson or unit. It is useful to record what students already Know, Want to know, and what they Learn throughout the course of the lesson or unit (this is filled in at the end).
Spider Map: A spider map is a brainstorming or organizational tool that provides a visual framework for students to use. Sometimes a spider map is called a “concept map” or a “spider web graphic organizer”. A spider map has a main idea or topic in the center, or the body, of the diagram. Each detail or sub-topic associated with the main topic has its own leg, or branch, surrounding the it.
Frayer Model: The Frayer Model is organized so that four boxes or sections surround a general concept or vocabulary word in the center of the organizer. The four boxes surrounding it are labeled Definition, Characteristics, Examples and Non-Examples by default. Frayer models are like mind maps that help make learning new words a breeze!
Timelines: A timeline is like a sequence chart that shows specific events in chronological order, usually with dates, in a linear fashion. Timelines help students put events in chronological order, show progress or change, and chronicle historical events.
Cycle Chart: Storyboard That has several different layouts available for you to choose from. The cycle layout is an option that gives users the ability to show sequences or processes that often repeat, but do not necessarily have to.
How to Use a Graphic Organizer Template
We have made it incredibly easy to use our graphic organizer templates. Simply find a graphic organizer example design that you like, and click on the copy template button. This will bring you directly to the storyboard creator, where you will give your template a name, customize as you see fit, and save! Once you arrive in the storyboard creator, you can change anything and everything about the template, or leave the design as it is and just add your personalized information. You may assign templates to your classes digitally, or print and copy. The choice is yours!
How to Make a Graphic Organizer Worksheet
Choose One of the Premade Graphic Organizer Templates
We have color, black and white, portrait, or landscape templates. Take a look at our graphic organizer example for inspiration!
Click on "Copy Template"
Once you do this, you will be directed to the storyboard creator.
Give Your Worksheet a Name!
Be sure to call it something related to the topic so that you can easily find it in the future.
Edit Your Worksheet
This is where you will include directions, specific questions and images, and make any aesthetic changes that you would like. The options are endless!
Click "Save and Exit"
When you are finished with your graphic organizer worksheet, click this button in the lower right hand corner to exit your storyboard.
Next Steps
From here you can print, download as a PDF, attach it to an assignment and use it digitally, and more!
Check Out Other Graphic Organizers From Storyboard That!
Storyboard That has so many different types of printable graphic organizers for you to choose from. Our artists and former teachers have come up with tons of creative graphic organizer design ideas that you are sure to love. The following categories are our favorite graphic organizer templates:
- Plot Diagram/Story Map
- KWL Chart
- Graphic Novel Layout
- T-Chart
- Flow Chart
- Spider Map
- Circle Chart
- Venn Diagram
Do you want to see a colorful graphic organizer template for another subject, or see what else we have? Check out our huge worksheet template gallery!
Happy Creating!
How to Use Graphic Organizers to Plan a Short Story
Create or choose a story map template.
Use a visual organizer that breaks down the beginning, middle, and end, or includes boxes for characters, setting, conflict, and resolution.
Model a short example with your class.
Project the graphic organizer and walk students through filling it out using a shared story (fairy tale, class text, or original idea).
Let students brainstorm their own story ideas.
Give students time to sketch ideas, choose characters, and imagine a setting before writing anything down.
Guide students in filling out the organizer.
Ask guiding questions like “What’s the problem your character is trying to solve?” or “What happens after the big event?”
Have students share their story plans in pairs or small groups.
This step encourages discussion and helps students develop their plots further through feedback.
Transition from organizer to rough draft.
Once the graphic organizer is complete, students use it to write their first draft, referencing it as their guide.
Publish or illustrate final stories.
Students can add images in Storyboard That, create a comic-style version, or illustrate by hand before sharing with the class.
Frequently Asked Questions about Graphic Organizer Templates
What are the best graphic organizer templates for elementary students?
Graphic organizer templates that are colorful, engaging, and have clear structure work best for younger students. Popular options include the hamburger writing organizer, KWL charts, and balloon-themed brainstorm templates that guide students step-by-step.
How can I use a graphic organizer to teach writing structure?
Graphic organizers help students visually break down their writing into beginning, middle, and end, or introduction, supporting points, and conclusion. For example, a hamburger organizer is perfect for paragraph writing.
Are there free printable graphic organizer worksheets I can customize?
Yes! You can start with a free trial on Storyboard That and print any template after customizing it in the storyboard creator.
What types of graphic organizers work best for reading comprehension?
Story maps, sequence charts, and character analysis organizers help students track plot, identify main ideas, and make inferences while reading.
How do I create a custom graphic organizer for my lesson?
Click Copy Template on any organizer, open it in the storyboard creator, and then add your own instructions, questions, or images. Save it and assign digitally or print it out!
What's the difference between a Venn diagram and a T-chart?
A Venn diagram shows overlapping similarities and differences, ideal for comparing two topics. A T-chart separates ideas clearly into two columns without overlap.
Why are graphic organizers effective for student learning?
They provide visual structure that aids memory, organization, and clarity—especially for students with learning differences or executive functioning challenges.
Can students use graphic organizers digitally or on paper?
Absolutely! Templates on Storyboard That can be printed, downloaded, or assigned online for interactive use on Chromebooks or tablets.
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