Exploratree
http://www.exploratree.org.uk/ is a website that offers many graphic organizers for teachers. Registration is free and you can create your own organizers by using shapes and objects similar to those used in Word or you can upload your own pictures. As you create you can leave hints for students, like complete this part first or write in complete sentences. Once you have created your organizer you can share it with others by emailing or printing it so you can make copies for students. Emailing works well for teachers that are working together on different projects, so that one teacher can create the material and share them with others. Teachers they share with can also modify the organizers if necessary.
Another nice feature is that there are many organizers that have already been created and you can use and adapt them to fit your needs. They are organized into sections like mapping, analysis, and exploring. Below is a screenshot of some of the options they offer.
I think that this is great because many times I find an organizer that is similar to what I need but I usually need to change them fit the needs of my students. If you decide to create an organizer of your own rather than using a template the process is very easy. You start with a blank template and use the tool bar to add shapes or images to your document. You can easily resize objects move objects around on the template.
Once you begin you can choose from one of three modes to help with your creation of your document. First you start in the create mode, you can put the made shapes in your organizer. Then you can select the do it tab to fill in information in the different shapes or boxes in your organizer. Finally you can look at the organizer in show it mode to see how others will view the document when it is completed.
Then it is up to your to print, send or save your files for future use. I will work on creating some organizers!
