As a learning specialist, I would use the Tagxedo and Bubble visual representations with my students in their reading groups in a variety of ways.
The bubble graph could be used to brainstorm ideas on a topic before we begin reading or writing about it. Next, it could be used during and after reading to chart what we are learning. A bubble graph also could be used to sequence the events of a story.
Tagxedo could be beneficial for learning new vocabulary in a story. The students could make a word splash of new words learned in the text. The representation could be used to activiate prior knowledge as well. The students could list what they already know about a topic. Lastly, the word splash could be used to summarize what the students have learned.
Indeed, these graphic organizers are exciting and creative ways for students to be able to write down and visualize what they are learning. The more tools we can provide students with the better. The nonlinguistic representations are important for the students to use because they help them organize and visually see their thoughts, which will aide them in remembering the content being taught and comprehend it.
The more tools we can provide students with to use, the better. We live in a fast-paced culture where students are watching visual images change on televison, movies and video games about once every two to three seconds. The students then come to school expecting to be entertained at a fast pace. These organizers help them slow down their thinking so they can truly comprehend what they are learning.
All students can learn and need to be provided with the right tools to help them accomplish their goals.
