Free Graphic Organizers for Reading Comprehension

When you're teaching literacy or English language arts at any grade level, it may be helpful for students if they have a simple way to visually organize their thoughts about the literature. From breaking an argument down into supporting facts and counterarguments to looking at the advantages and disadvantages of a certain concept, graphic organizers offer countless possibilities for structuring information in a clear, visual format. 
 

Reading comprehension graphic organizers

Grades K-6

For Grades K–6, check out these free reading comprehension graphic organizers. The following anchor charts are scaffolded and can help students better understand topics such as research and citing sources, word gaps, contrasts and contradictions, and many more. If your school or district incorporates social and emotional learning as an area of focus, consider using the age-appropriate resources below. Feel free to hang any of these charts in your classroom or distribute them to students.

• Notice & Note Signpost Charts
• Research Writing Anchor Chart: Early Primary
• Research Writing Anchor Chart: Primary
• Research Writing Anchor Chart: Intermediate
• Social and Emotional Learning Anchor Chart: Early Primary
• Social and Emotional Learning Anchor Chart: Primary
• Social and Emotional Learning Anchor Chart: Intermediate

Grades 6-12

Try these graphic organizers for reading comprehension. The free downloadable PDFs below are designed specifically for middle and high school students.

• Concept/Event Map
• Controversial Issue
• Fishbone Planner
• Freeform Web
• Persuasive Planner

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Explore HMH literacy solutions with these digital samples of HMH Into Reading and HMH Into Literature.

This blog, originally published in 2021, has been updated for 2025.