Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Anchor Chart Linky Party




I am definitely a newbie to anchor charts.  I've found so many good anchor chart ideas on Pinterest and other blogs, but I definitely feel new to creating my own anchor charts.  As a resource teacher I didn't use chart paper as freely and meaningfully as I do now.  That wasn't because I was a resource teacher...it was because I was in a daze from literally stumbling into teaching. 


But Ms. M. at Ms. M's Blog has thrown an anchor chart linky party.  I think this is a great linky party!  I will be able to steal put to use so many wonderful ideas from fellow bloggers!  ;) 


However, I do feel the need to contribute.  So, I looked around my classroom and I tried to find something that was aesthetically pleasing and that was 100% my idea.  I looked hard...I found NADA.


So, I'm partaking of this linky party with some hesitation.  The item I'm most proud of right now in my room isn't technically a chart.  But it is located on a pocket chart...which is close enough for me!


After scouring the internet, blogs and Pinterest I really hadn't found a Daily 5 management tool that could help both my students and me know what was going on during guided reading.  I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to this search, but nothing seemed right for my class and our needs.


In comes the pocket chart...see below.




On the left hand side are the groups, they are color-coded.  Station rotations read from left to right.


I have a card for:
  • Read to Self
  • Read to Someone
  • Listen to Reading
  • Work on Writing
  • Word Work
  • Puss In Boots - kids know that means they meet with me, since I'm the cat lady.
  • Underdog - kids know that means they meet with my assistant, since she has dogs.
(My colleague tied hers to her university theme.)



This pocket chart has revolutionized my guided reading/daily 5 block.  While previously I struggled to find a clear way of communicating the rotations, now my students know what group they're in and know where they need to go without ever asking me!  With a quick glance I know where students should be and who I need to meet with. 


One of my most favorite co-workers (and best teachers I know!) has stolen used this idea and had so much success - she feels much more able to manage a block of time that was previously hard to manage/wrap one's head around.  When being observed by my school principal she was very impressed with this visual tool as it helped every single person in the classroom - including her - know with ease what was going on.


I switch the cards around each day, but nothing too drastic.  Generally, the slots with me and my assistant do not change much throughout the week, rather their Daily 5 rotation changes.  I have a general daily schedule that I use to help guide me each day...but it becomes very second-nature. 


This is my contribution to the Anchor Chart Linky Party – I hope it is as helpful to someone else as it has been to me!


Cheers,
Mrs. Castro Pin It

10 comments:

  1. Hola! Cute blog :) I'm your newest follower.
    ☼Libby
    Dual Kinder Teacher

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Libby, I've been a follower of yours now for a follower! Thanks for stopping by!
      Laura

      Delete
  2. Hmmm... I like this! I had a bulletin board set up with the math station rotations but it was SO MUCH WORK to take down the numbers and staple up new ones every day but it would be so much easier if I could just switch them around in pocket chart. Thank you for sharing!

    Marvelous Multiagers!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi...I love anchor charts -- they are so great! I have included a link to my website's section on anchor charts to add to your linky party. :o)
    Vicky
    http://www.vickymoore2.com/for.cfm?subpage=446921
    Traditions Laughter and Happily Ever After

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Mrs. Castro. Great pocket chart. I like how visual it is. Thanks for sharing this awesome idea.

    -tania, your newest follower :)
    Live, Love, Laugh in 2nd Grade

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for linking up and sharing with us!

    Ms. M
    Ms.M's Blog
    A Teacher's Plan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for hosting it Ms. M! You had a great idea!
      Laura

      Delete
  6. Muchas gracias for the free download on TPT!!! I'm starting to implement the Daily 5 this year.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. Simply wanted to inform you that you have people like me who appreciate your work.
    make my assignment

    ReplyDelete