Anchor charts have come into favor in in recent years. Their objective is to make the learning clear & visible, but I have found interactive anchor charts are not only more fun, but also they work better to hook concepts into long-term memory.
Research on Anchor Charts
The research on anchor charts in general is all positive! Anchor charts leave store-bought charts in the dust! Anchor charts are a great way to introduce concepts, summarize key points. What’s more, when you employ when inquiry method of learning, anchor charts are tailor made building blocks.
They clear up “sticky wickets” that kids fall into when learning. Because they can be altered to fit any subject or concept, anchor charts are the most versatile learning frame. Studies show if your anchor charts are interactive, placed strategically, and visually pleasing, they have amazing impact on long-term learning.
Interactive Routine
The most important word is “interactive”. The chart needs to come from the lesson. The words need to come from your students. The students need to add to the chart, even if it is only illustrations. Young writers can be given sticky notes or sentence strips, in case of mistakes.
Students not only help create, but also they refer back to it when they need it. The chart stays as long as the class needs it. Anchor charts naturally encourage collaboration. They foster teamwork and a shared learning environment. I always give the class an assignment after completion. They use the chart for words.
Strategically Placed Charts
Every teacher knows that the walls of the classroom are prime real estate! With all the curriculum pieces we must display like alphabet, number line, and objectives, there is hardly any space left. For this reason, I made a system. I had a chart pad on the focus wall so we had a permanent place to work o the new charts. We ended up making at least one chart per week, depending on the content.
.At the beginning of the year, I covered my bulletin boards with fabric and left them blank. I explained to the kids at back-to-school night that we would decorate the walls together. we would make our room “ours” with their words. There was room for about 3 charts on that wall. I kept loose track of how much we referred to the charts. Once we no longer needed it, the chart went into the reading center as a choice for read to self time.
Visually Engaging Anchor Charts
Kindergarten- 2nd graders need non-text visual hints, especially during first semester. I try to be very intentional about the colors we use. I use icons, shapes, & drawings that create a mental picture of the concept, like we did here, for MLKjr’s birthday.
We put his words on him, so they remember who said them. After working with his quotes for a bit, they paired up and made a sentence about what he said. We left the chart up for all of January, and added to it when we learned more about him. Anchor chart visuals are great for differentiation. The visual ensures that non-readers access the concept. Having your students work in pairs or triads helps to make sure all levels contribute.
Anchor Chart Resources
I always think of a quote that my mentor teacher told me ” the one doing all the work is the one doing all the learning”. If your kids don’t work on the chart, should it really be on your wall? If you need some done-for-you resources, click on one of the covers below.
I hope you picked up an idea or two. If you like what you read, and would like to see more, go here. Happy Teaching!
