Now that you know the how, you may be wondering about the when and why. How do I use anchor charts in my classroom? You’ll find tons of examples at the links included below. Just make sure you create your own version from scratch so your students experience the learning as you go. If your teammate has already tackled a topic, use the same format. Teachers always get their best ideas from other teachers. Choose carefully so the ones you create have the greatest impact.
![character anchor chart story element character anchor chart story element](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8e/54/1a/8e541a518426c66d15bcfb401d4aa1dd.jpg)
While anchor charts are a super-useful tool, don’t feel as if you need to create one for every single lesson. Teacher Trap/3 Secrets for Teaching Character Traits via Don’t overuse them. The more ways students can access information about a subject, the better. Draw simple pictures to complement the words. Don’t allow distracting, irrelevant details or stray marks, such as arrows or overemphatic use of underlining. Use easy-to-read graphics and clear organization. Use different colors and bullet points to help students discriminate between strategies and quickly access information. A few helpful tips: Make them colorful and print-rich. Students can refer to them and use them as they think about the topic, question ideas, expand ideas, and/or contribute to discussions in class.
![character anchor chart story element character anchor chart story element](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/60/e7/30/60e730d6ce8014d61fff38926a905469.png)
Posting the charts keeps relevant and current learning accessible to students, reminds them of prior learning, and enables them to make connections as new learning happens. The Thinker Builder/Anchor Chart via Īfter your chart is created, it can be displayed as needed-for a short unit, as a one-time reference tool, as something you continue to add to, or as something that stays up all year-like your classroom procedures or behavior expectations.