An Anchor Chart refers to a visual representation that is located in the classroom where students can refer to it during the acquisition and application of new strategies. The purpose of the anchor chart is to support learning. When students are reading about cause and effect, they should be able to easily see an Anchor Chart that explains cause and effect. Anchor Charts are particularly important for supporting reading comprehension.
A Reading Comprehension Strategy Anchor Chart and Higher Order Thinking Strategy Anchor Chart includes:
- The Strategy
- Definition (in student terms)
- Signal Words (so students can identify the strategy)
- Steps in the Process (how to use the strategy)
- Graphic Organizers (that match the strategy)
- Question Stems (optional)
- Examples (optional)
- Paragraph Frames (optional)
Don’t Forget
It is important to number the steps if there is a process for students to follow. This helps students visualize the steps, understand where they are in the process, communicate with others about the steps, and it releases responsibility from the teacher to the student.
