Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Scaffolding: Anchor Charts

Scaffolding 
Anchor Charts



Teaching Strategy:  ESL in an Elementary/ High School setting in the U.S 

Proficiency Level: All Levels 1-5 (WIDA) 

Link: http://www.pinterest.com/mrsest/writing-anchor-charts/


An anchor chart is a hand-made poster or graphic representation that serves as a visual reminder of strategies, vocabulary, or other content that students have learned. Basically, an anchor chart is a reference tool that “anchors” new and ongoing learning to key concepts previously introduced. Students can refer to the anchor chart for a quick check, a reminder of how to approach a task, a way to think about a concept, or a visual aid to understand vocabulary. An anchor chart often serves as a way to make connections between previous learning and new concepts being covered. The teacher and students design and create the anchor charts together. For elementary grades, the teacher will do the printing so it can be easier for the younger students to read, but in high school or older students, the students can construct the chart in groups.

An anchor chart can take the form of a list, a graphic organizer such as a Venn diagram or concept web, or cards with a series of visual prompts. Anchor charts can easily benefit ELL students because it can help guide the students through a key concept or strategy that is being taught. Students can easily use it independently and in groups. Anchor charts provide visuals for ESL students to track their learning and serve as reference tools.

            
The anchor chart strategy is perfect to teach reading and writing. It can help teachers scaffold and teach the WIDA standards. For example, on an anchor chart, the teacher can created a reading guide of what the students will need to look for while reading. Also, when teaching writing the teacher can provide “sentence starters” or what an outline what the essay students will be writing about contains, or brainstorming ideas of a previous discussion the class had.  


Anchor charts are examples of scaffolding ideas the ESL teacher can use. It is also a great example of visuals. While writing the anchor charts the students are participating, they are discussing with classmates and teacher which helps with the WIDA standards. Anchor charts can be used when reading and writing in Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. 




Anchor Chart Illustrates Writing Process


Reference
https://suite.io/margaret-m-williams/1tjn2at

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