Graphic Schemas
At Mayflower, a Graphic Schema is one of our 3 essential 'memory tools' - connecting ideas together. It provides the pupil’s with a tool so that they can confidently communicate what they have learnt and identify links within their learning. The dual-coded words and images act as a prompt for pupils to bring knowledge from the 'back' to the 'front' of the brain, and with regular retrieval practise, will help learning 'stick'.
When creating Graphic Schemas, we consider the 'purpose' of the schema, so that it may direct our choice of organiser. Oliver Caviglioli's work on organising ideas continues to influence our thinking around this; with staff members (previous and present) acting as contributors to his published book: Organise Ideas: Thinking by Hand, Extending the Mind.
How you can use it at home
As part of their regular spaced practice, pupils use their finger to trace over each part of the Graphic Schema and talk about what they know as they come to each concept, event or icon. Confident pupils will be able to expand on certain points and use more sophisticated language found in Tier 3 on their Tiered Vocabulary Wall.
Pupils can use their Knowledge Organiser and Tiered Vocabulary alongside them to help remember key information. The visuals are important reminders about key facts.
To practise this skill, pupils can draw their own Graphic Schema or trace over the one they already have. Pupils are also encouraged to add their own learning to the Graphic Schema as they learn more.
Year group graphic schema can be found here: Class Pages
Types of graphic schema
