As you step into a classroom, it should be VERY apparent what children are learning about. The environment should reflect the learning, enabling the children to build connections around the room. As humans, we build memories as “episodes” in our brain, remembering events and experiences which are learned through the 5 senses.
One essential tool to support this development is anchor charts. An anchor chart in early learning is a visual tool that teachers create with the children to support learning and understanding of a particular concept. It’s a large poster or chart paper that displays key ideas, steps, or reminders for topics such as letters, numbers, routines, or behaviors. Anchor charts often use bright colors, drawings, and simple words to make the information accessible and engaging for young learners. Similar to GLAD strategies, an anchor chart MUST involve children in the creation of the tool, which serves as a connection to the tool, building an episode in the memory. Anchor charts should never be reused, but rather recreated year after year, not just pulled out of the closet to use again. As we create anchor charts with children, we must remember that they don’t need to be perfectly drawn or written. In fact, mistakes can be a teaching and learning opportunity for children.
For example, a letter learning anchor chart might show a letter of the alphabet with a pictures that starts with that letter. As children create and share their own ideas, it serves as a “reference” that students can look back on throughout the day, reinforcing learning in a way that’s easy for early learners to understand and remember.
Anchor charts help make learning more interactive, memorable, and accessible for early learners, fostering both confidence and independence in a way that aligns with their developmental needs. Besides just a visual support tool, anchor charts build opportunities for:
Engagement and Ownership: When young learners help make the anchor chart, they are more connected to the information. This hands-on involvement makes the learning process more enjoyable and memorable for them.
Consistency and Routine: By having anchor charts up in the classroom, children can rely on these as a stable reference point, which supports a consistent learning environment. This is especially helpful for routines like circle time or clean-up, as it reminds them of the steps involved.
Language Development: Seeing key vocabulary and concepts visually displayed helps children build language skills, as they often refer to the chart when they talk about or ask questions on the topic, using the language developed when they created it with the teacher.
Encourages Independence: Anchor charts serve as a resource that children can look at independently. For instance, if they’re unsure of the steps in a routine or how to form a letter, they can refer to the chart, fostering self-directed learning.
Supports Memory and Retention: Repetition is essential in early learning, and anchor charts reinforce ideas by keeping them visible. Children are likely to recall information better when they see it regularly, building a stronger memory foundation for more complex learning later on.
Try using an anchor chart for the next theme you’re learning. Challenge children to use and refer to the tool as you connect to prior knowledge throughout the theme. Send us pictures of your anchor chart! Connect@refine-ed.com or find and tag us on IG @Refine_ed
Special Thanks to:
KindergartenChaos
and Blue Skies
