Anchor charts are essential to the math classroom. These simple posters help students take their thinking to the next level. Here are 7 reasons why anchor charts are incredible!
1. Math anchor charts provide a source of visual reference to support students’ thinking, reasoning, and problem solving. Whenever your students are learning something that they may need to refer back to later in the lesson, the week, the unit or even later in the year, it is a great idea to make an anchor chart. You may not even have planned to make an anchor chart in a lesson, but if you see that thinking is happening that needs to be recorded, it may pay-off to make one.
2. Anchor charts help students recognize the learning goal. As the students get closer to reaching the learning goal, they can use the anchor chart to scaffold their understanding.
3. They support and develop precise math language, because students can reference them when writing and discussing their thinking.
4. When students are a part of the creation of the anchor chart, their buy-in increases exponentially. Students are more likely to reference the anchor chart if their thinking and ideas are displayed. As students make discoveries that support the learning goal during the math lesson, include them on the anchor chart.
5. They can be used to make connections between new content and previously learned content. Always keep anchor charts accessible throughout the year so students can refer back to them when making connections.
6. Anchor charts build confidence in ESE and ELL students. When a chart is created that targets all learners, students who need the extra support will utilize it to increase their understanding.
7. Artistry is not important when it comes to anchor charts. Although it is best if the writing is legible and the thinking is organized, it does not need to look like a Pinterest anchor chart to be useful. Sometimes, as thinking is added to the chart during class, it does become too messy. A quick-fix for that is to re-write it after school, so the students will be able to reference their previous thinking on a more organized anchor chart. Thankfully, all of us non-artists can make awesome anchor charts, too!
Check out these links for additional information: http://www.k-5mathteachingresources.com/Math-Anchor-Charts.html and http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2015/11/12/anchor-charts-101