Anchor Charts for Three Classes

I have taught fourth and fifth grade.  In that mix, I have been self-contained, team taught (I taught reading and writing- my coworker taught math, science, and social studies), and departmentalized in a 3-way split.  After two years of being self-contained, I have returned to being departmentalized.  The struggle is real! I forgot how repetitive that third lesson feels at the end of the day!

One struggle I don't need added to my plate is anchor charts.  I love anchor charts, but I think students need to have input as they are created.  Without students dictating what goes on the chart, it becomes the same as a store bought poster that took a longer time to make and will never look as good.  Students have to be involved in the creation.

It sounds crazy.  How can you possibly make three separate anchor charts and hang them all in your one room?  My solution has been pretty simple.

First, I create a PPT template with the titles and headings I want to include on the end product anchor chart.  I project it onto my dry erase board.  With my dry erase marker, I write all the information the kids volunteer.

Next, I take a picture.  Times 3!  Every class gets to make their own "sloppy copy".  I explain that our "sloppy copy" is like a rough draft.

Finally, I use anchor chart paper and combine all three classes anchor charts on one chart. I take about 5 minutes after school, as you can probably tell.  I like to use the colors that draw attention and help with focus- black, blue, red, and green.  (Yes, that is why Expo includes those markers in a four pack.)  My goal is to have a nice copy that can be referenced for information, not something that is cute and can hang in a museum after I retire.  (This is my personally opinion.  For teachers that spend time making cute anchor charts, I am in awe of your patience and skills.  It's just not for me.)