Remembering Anchor Charts Each Year {A Bright Idea}

It's that time again!
Are you ready for some...
BRIGHT IDEAS? 

My idea for this month is about how to remember the details of anchor charts from year to year.  Since we create anchor charts for students WITH students each year, it makes it a little easier if you already know what you want to include and how you want the information to look.

Paper source: The Clipart Factory Font: A Cupcake for the Teacher

Here's a picture (not the best) of one that I created for Dividing (with up to 4-digit divideds and 1-digit divisors):
In the top left-hand corner, you can see the CCSS listed.  In the top right-hand corner is the  essential question.

But, this post is not about anchor charts and how they work.  I'm sure you already know a lot about that.  My bright idea is this:

I took pictures of them!

This simple trick saved me a ton of time last year.  I knew what I wanted, could create the anchor chart easier because I had an image of the anchor chart from the previous year.


I saved them in a folder on my computer labeled "Beginning of the Year".  This way, at the beginning of the year (oh so original), I'll know where to find my anchor charts.

Simple tip.  Hope it helps :)

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 BRIGHT IDEAS!



8 comments

  1. Great idea! I usually just fold up my anchor charts and keep them in my skill boxes but they get bulky! Thanks for sharing!

    Megan
    Mrs. Wheeler's First Grade

    Mrs. Wheeler's TPT

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  2. I take pictures of EVERYTHING! Because I'm visual this really helps. I've even traced over ones in pencil and then filled them out with sharpie in front of my students for input. They are totally engaged. I'll even write lightly in pencil what colors to use if I am separating topics/ideas/details for them. Thanks for sharing!!

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    Replies
    1. What a great idea! I like doing my charts with the class, but if they are "penciled in," I have what I need in a useful order. Then I can organize it and fill it in with the class!

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  3. I've got mine rolled up in a falling apart box. It's driving me NUTz! Thanks for this great idea.

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  4. I really like this idea! I usually give my anchor charts to my students and wing it the next year. But if pictures of the anchor charts are right there on my desktop, that would be great! Thanks!

    Stacy
    Second Grade Sweetie Pies

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  5. Love this, Elizabeth! I'm determined to give this approach a try next year. Right now, there are anchor charts all over the garage. And in my classroom closet. And under the dining room table. Your (bright) idea is much better! Happy Summer, Blogfriend!

    Kim
    Finding JOY in 6th Grade

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  6. Great idea! I need to do that this year!

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  7. Super Bright Idea!! I usually save the previous year's charts but I'm finding that I have way to many! Taking a picture is a perfect solution! I would have to save those anchor charts in a file specific to the standard or content area. I'm just a little OCD that way. I've got to become better at remembering to take the pictures instead of filing! Ha!

    Susan
    PassioninPortableland

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