Strategy: Organizing Ideas

Renae BettenFebruary 21, 2012

Introducing Organizing Ideas

To generate and organize ideas about a topic or writing prompt.

To critically think through options of writing about a topic or writing prompt.

Example: Mind map

Write the Topic or Theme

Related idea

Related ideaRelated idea

Demonstrating Organizing IdeasStep 1Select an organization chart that fits the

writing style prompt.1. Mind map to generate ideas.2. Story sequence chart (beginning, middle,

end)3. Venn diagram (comparing and

contrasting)4. Story elements chart (title, setting,

character, problem, events, solution)

Demonstrating Organizing Ideascont.Step 2

Fill in the chart according to the writing style of the prompt

Example story sequence prompt:

Diaz-Rico, L (2008)

Title: The mystery cake

Setting: Neighborhood bakeryCharacters: The baker, the baker’s wife, a boy and his mom.

Problem: a cake that won’t riseEvents: A birthday cake was ordered.When the cake came out of the oven it was flat.

Solution: Bake cupcakes instead

Demonstrating Organizing Ideas cont.

Step 3

Use the chart to write the story.

A boy and his mom arrived at the neighborhood bakery to pick up a special birthday cake. The baker and his wife were so excited to see their customer’s celebrate a special day. When the baker walked over to the oven the cake he put in didn’t rise. It was such a mystery that this cake was flat. After telling the boy and his mom the bad news, the baker’s wife said they could just make some cupcakes. Cupcakes do not take as long to bake and they were sure not to come out flat like the mystery cake.

Practice organizing ideas In a team of three, use a mind map chart to

organize your ideas about reasons to take vitamins.

Choose three of the best reasons from the chart Each team member chooses one idea from the

three. Each member will write one paragraph of at least

three sentences that explains the reason for taking vitamins.

Share your paragraph with the team members and make sure each paragraph is original and doesn’t repeat another person’s idea.

Hand in your work to the teacher.

Review of Organizing Ideas with charts

1. Select an organization chart based on the writing style

2. Fill in the chart according to its details

3. Write a paragraph that follows the chart and writing prompt

Apply It! Select an organization chart of your

choice and write a paragraph in the writing style you chose.

Exchange your paragraph with a partner and underline each part of the paragraph according to the organization chart that was used.

Share your paragraph with the class.