Anchor Charts

I just want to share how much I LOVE anchor charts!!  I love making them with my students because it really gets everyone involved in instruction.  I love how their opinions and ideas become part of the lesson and the classroom decor!  Anchor charts are also a great focus for a class discussion, you know that it's all about the visual aid!  After our discussion is over and our anchor chart is complete, I find a special spot to hang our poster.  Students refer to it throughout the year and I love seeing them looking at the posters for strategies or spelling words!

This is my favorite!  This student was looking at our anchor charts to spell a word in his journal.  I loved that he was taking responsibility for his learning and was seeking out the information he needed.  This very action is EXACTLY why anchor charts are so amazing!  Students create memories and build background knowledge during the lesson.  They remember creating the anchor chart; where they were sitting during the lesson, their contribution and connection to the lesson.  Later, they remember where that information is and know how to access it.

 

 

These are just a few of our anchor charts, I have to give credit to Pinterest for the different ideas and blog links!

Teacher Keychain

I want to share this adorable keychain my BTSA coach gave me!  I absolutely love my new keychain.  And it was made perfectly for me; sparkles, pink, and polka-dots!

We went out for a celebratory end-of-the-year dinner and she surprised us with these gifts.  How cute is the gift box?!  She ordered them from the Etsy store, Once Upon A Sugar Tree.  They create personalized jewelry, keychains, and all kinds of fun stuff!