Sticky charts are a way to make a lesson stick long after the skills have been taught. Create with students and leave them long after the lesson is over. This is our ultimate guide to hunting charts, from how they are made to when they are used. And we provide examples from classes like yours!
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What is an anchor chart?
An anchor chart is a tool used to support instruction (ie, to “support” student learning). As you teach the lesson, you create a chart that captures the most important information, techniques, and content that you want students to refer to later. Then, put it in a place where students can see it and refer to it when they do the skill.
How to Use Index Charts
Veteran 5th grade teacher April Archer likes worksheets as a reference point because when students are working, they can refer to the chart they created together.
“I also use a lot of clip charts in our notebooks,” Archer said. “I show my students to look for examples to include in their writing.”
Check out April’s chart below for the types of words students can refer to as they write. For more great ideas from April, be sure to follow her on Instagram @AcademicallyApril.
Types of Charts Used
You can make a chart of literally anything, but there are three main types:
- Process: Think about processes and procedures that you want students to refer to as they work in your classroom.
- Strategy or technique: These are strategies that you want students to remember and apply in their work. Things like how to create Cornell notes, how to factor multiple words, or how to solve a geometric proof.
- Vocabulary: Sticky charts are also helpful in strengthening vocabulary as students need a lot of practice with words to “stick.”
How do I create performance charts?
April likes to make search charts with students. Let them contribute and they will actually use. Charting is the best way to use your teaching, creativity, and smelly markers.
- Start with an outline: You know what you want students to learn, so create an outline ahead of time if you need to. For example, you can create process boxes or draw a snowman to write about.
- Add a title: Make sure the purpose is clear.
- Complete it: Work with students to model the strategy or content and listen to their ideas for completing the chart. Although you should know what to include, be open to suggestions from students. Completing the chart may take one lesson or an entire unit.
- Hang it: Display it where students can see it when they need information.
- Check regularly: Students need to learn to use worksheets just like any other tool in your classroom. So when students have a question or when giving directions for a task, refer to the chart.
Some charts may last throughout the year, while others are changed when students become familiar with the content. For example, April creates solid charts that show how to solve the math problems students are working on. Once they’ve mastered that skill, it’s time for a new, more advanced anchor chart. That way, posting anchor charts keeps important and current learning accessible to students, reminds them of previous learning, and encourages them to make connections as new learning occurs.
How to Grow Referral Charts
Use our tips to learn how to use anchor charts like a pro!
Use color sensibly
Use different colors and dots to help readers quickly access the information you want them to see.
Keep them simple and neat
Use easy-to-read graphics and a clear layout. Don’t let distracting, irrelevant details or missing marks, such as too many arrows or overemphasized underlining detract from your message.
Use visuals
Use diagrams and other visuals to show what happens in a system or process, such as this example that explains how sound waves travel.
Don’t do it overuse them
Although flowcharts are a very useful tool, don’t feel that you need to create one for every lesson. Choose carefully so that the ones you create have the greatest impact.
Ask students to do the activity
Create a living anchor chart by having students add to it with sticky notes of examples of what they are reading or researching.
Get inspired
Teachers always get their best ideas from other teachers. If your partner has already handled the topic, use the same format. Just be sure to create your version from scratch so your readers can enjoy learning as you go.
Identify high engagement
When students are involved in the process of creating learning tools, they are more likely to understand more deeply and remember more of what they are learning.
Bring lessons to life
If you’re reading a topic that supports you in a visual resource, create an anchor chart! If you are studying how animals grow, for example, draw a picture of what happens inside an egg with and without a chick.
Support independent work
Students should refer to the charts when doing independent work, so make sure they include information that students can use.
Use them as classroom references
To help students keep information straight, create charts for each topic. For example, if you are teaching math concepts, create a chart of geometric shapes, the difference between perimeter and area, and how to multiply and divide fractions.
Emphasize classroom practices
Give students visuals to remind them of habits, like these peg charts on how to study independently and find new books. The poster doesn’t have to be big, but it should be useful.
Make friends to read aloud
While reading, stop, observe, and record. Finally, you will have a chart to remind students about key vocabulary, ideas, and story structure.
Many Useful Resources
Are you inspired? Check out our many collections for ideas:
Share your favorite tips and tricks in our We Are Students HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Also, check out Great Ideas for Peg Chart Organization and Storage.
