What is an anchor chart?

An anchor chart is a visual tool created to support student learning. It is often used in classrooms as a collaborative resource that displays important concepts, processes, or skills relevant to a particular lesson or unit. These charts are usually created during lessons with input from students, making them a dynamic tool that reflects the collective understanding of the class.

Anchor charts serve multiple purposes. They can reinforce visual learning by presenting information in a clear and organized manner, helping students recall essential content. By allowing students to refer back to the anchor charts, they can enhance their understanding and retention of the material over time. Furthermore, these charts can be displayed prominently in the classroom, continually reminding students of key ideas as they engage in various learning activities.

The interactive and visual nature of anchor charts distinguishes them from other educational tools, such as written tests, lists of classroom rules, or grading methods, which do not have the same collaborative and supportive function in learning.