Adding to the Anchor Chart

Third graders in Gail Burak's class at Capital Hill add their own web ideas to the class model.

Sentence Openers

Anchor charts are a great way to keep track of the various ways writers open and vary sentences. Kylene Parks used this chart to work on interesting sentences with her 4th graders at Boise-Eliot.

What Do Good Writers Do?

This list of what good writers do will continue to grow throughout the year as more lessons are taught. It serves as a reminder to students of all the important things they have learned so far about writing. Any support teachers or volunteers who come to the room can also look to this list and know what they should see students doing and writing.

Sensory Details Anchor Chart

Anchor charts are an important instructional tool. Notice how this teacher, Kylene Parks at Boise-Eliot, has included examples from the mentor text she used in teaching students about sensory images. Later, she invited students to add their own examples of sensory details. Having students add their own examples of writing elements you have taught is a meaningful form of accountability for them as writers. If you teach it, you are expecting them to try using it. Including student examples on anchor charts also serves to reinforce lessons you have taught and invites more students to share than the tradition author's chair would.