In my classroom, anchor charts are a crucial part of the learning process. We create them together and leave them hanging in the room as a reference tool for students to use throughout the year. One way that we create the charts together is by making them interactive. Here’s how.
I start by making a basic chart that outlines the purpose of the lesson. This was a very basic one on author’s purpose.
We talk about what author’s purpose really means and the students discuss in small groups what types of literature fall into each category. Each student then receives a post-it note to write down one example of written work. Students are called up to place their post-it note under the correct category.
Once they are done, we have a completed chart!
Here is an example of an interactive anchor chart that we completed to talk about the parts of a reading response letter {read more here}.
Interactive anchor charts allow students to take ownership over the lesson. I have found that students are more invested in the lesson and are eager to add their two cents to the board. As the year goes on, they refer to the anchor charts more often since they were a part of it’s creation.
As an added bonus, you can take the post-it notes off at the end of the year and re-use the same chart again the following year! I recommend laminating it for durability.
I love this idea. It is a great way to keep the students engaged in the lesson. Thank you!
Mary
Fit to be Fourth
Love this idea! so smart. Following you right now 🙂
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