I am crazy about anchor charts! About five years ago I was introduced to the idea, and I have been hooked every since. Starting at the beginning of the year the charts that we make together end up hanging from the ceiling. By the end of the year they are all over the place.
So, do they really use them? My answer is YES! It is truly a trail of their learning, and they are referred to consistantly. At the end of the year in preparation for state testing, they come down. My students always hate to see them go and think that our room looks quite empty. I have seen my students look for a chart to find that they are no longer there, then chuckle because they forgot.
Here are a few anchor charts that you will find in my room.