Anchor Activities
We have all been there before... "What do I do when I'm done?" Students in a differentiated classroom have the freedom to work at their own pace. For some, this means they will finish their assigned activity well before others. This is where anchor activities come into play. With an anchor activity, teachers provide students with an extra activity to complete when finished regular content activities. This does NOT mean more boring work! Students should be rewarded for their efficiency yet still spend time learning with what's left of the class. A good anchor activity relates to the content that has recently been taught to "anchor down" in their memory. It should also be fun or game related as so it doesn't feel like work to the student.
Implementing Anchor Activities
Go over the entire anchor activity with the class.
Model all of the games.
If you are using contracts, go over the contract with everyone and make sure they all understand the expectations.
Hand out rubrics and review them.
Point out where materials will be kept.
Be clear on expectations.
Review management strategies with the class so they know what to do if they have a question and you’re busy.
Let students know if any of the activities can be done at home or if they’re all meant to be done in class
*The button below, Anchors away, provides teachers with multiple anchor games in all subject areas!
We have all been there before... "What do I do when I'm done?" Students in a differentiated classroom have the freedom to work at their own pace. For some, this means they will finish their assigned activity well before others. This is where anchor activities come into play. With an anchor activity, teachers provide students with an extra activity to complete when finished regular content activities. This does NOT mean more boring work! Students should be rewarded for their efficiency yet still spend time learning with what's left of the class. A good anchor activity relates to the content that has recently been taught to "anchor down" in their memory. It should also be fun or game related as so it doesn't feel like work to the student.
Implementing Anchor Activities
Go over the entire anchor activity with the class.
Model all of the games.
If you are using contracts, go over the contract with everyone and make sure they all understand the expectations.
Hand out rubrics and review them.
Point out where materials will be kept.
Be clear on expectations.
Review management strategies with the class so they know what to do if they have a question and you’re busy.
Let students know if any of the activities can be done at home or if they’re all meant to be done in class
*The button below, Anchors away, provides teachers with multiple anchor games in all subject areas!
Below is a Sample Anchor Contract for Students!
Additional resources...
Sources
H,K. (2011). You Tube. Anchor Activities. Retrieved October 28th, 2013 from
file:///E:/Strategies%20Materials%20for%20Participants/Anchor%20Activities/anchoractivities.htm http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/files/nagc_anchor_activities.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk2n6uRQHog
http://www.webster.k12.mo.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=40844 http://www.beginwiththebrain.com/resources/I_M%20DONE_NOW_WHAT_ASCD_07_comp.pdf
Images
I'm Done Wall. Retrieved October 28th, 2013 from http://www.myclassroomideas.com/im-done-what-do-i-do-now/.
Brownie Point. Retrieved October 28th, 2013 from http://snazzyinsecond.blogspot.ca/2011/10/im-done-what-do-i-do-now.html
Teacher I'm Done. Retrieved Octover 28th, 2013 from http://www.teachersparadise.com/c/teacher-i-m-done-now-what-do-i-do-p-4944.html
H,K. (2011). You Tube. Anchor Activities. Retrieved October 28th, 2013 from
file:///E:/Strategies%20Materials%20for%20Participants/Anchor%20Activities/anchoractivities.htm http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/files/nagc_anchor_activities.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk2n6uRQHog
http://www.webster.k12.mo.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=40844 http://www.beginwiththebrain.com/resources/I_M%20DONE_NOW_WHAT_ASCD_07_comp.pdf
Images
I'm Done Wall. Retrieved October 28th, 2013 from http://www.myclassroomideas.com/im-done-what-do-i-do-now/.
Brownie Point. Retrieved October 28th, 2013 from http://snazzyinsecond.blogspot.ca/2011/10/im-done-what-do-i-do-now.html
Teacher I'm Done. Retrieved Octover 28th, 2013 from http://www.teachersparadise.com/c/teacher-i-m-done-now-what-do-i-do-p-4944.html