All About Anchor Posters
What are anchor posters?
Anchor posters are visual representations of a concept or skill. They can be used to help toddlers learn in a variety of ways, including:
Providing a visual reference. Anchor posters can help toddlers remember new concepts and skills. For example, a poster with pictures of different shapes can help a toddler learn the names of the shapes.
Scaffolding learning. Anchor posters can be used to scaffold learning, which means providing support for toddlers as they learn new concepts and skills. For example, a poster with pictures of different animals can be used to help a toddler learn to identify animals.
Promoting independence. Anchor posters can help toddlers become more independent learners. For example, a poster with pictures of different colors can help a toddler learn to identify colors on their own.
When to use anchor posters
Anchor posters can be used at any age, but they are especially helpful for toddlers. Toddlers are eager to learn and explore and anchor posters can provide them with a visual way to do so.
Here are some developmental stages where anchor posters can be used:
Infancy: Anchor posters can be used to introduce toddlers to new concepts, such as colors, shapes, and animals.
Toddlerhood: Anchor posters can be used to help toddlers learn about letters, numbers, and basic math concepts.
Preschool: Anchor posters can be used to help preschoolers learn about science, social studies, and other subjects.
How to make anchor posters
Anchor posters can be made at home or purchased from a variety of sources. If you are making your own anchor posters, here are some tips:
Choose a topic. The first step is to choose a topic for your anchor poster. This could be anything from colors to animals to shapes.
Find pictures. Once you have chosen a topic, you need to find pictures to represent that topic. You can find pictures online, in magazines, or in books.
Create the poster. Once you have found your pictures, you can create your anchor poster. You can use a variety of materials, such as construction paper, markers, and crayons.
Label the poster. Once you have created your anchor poster, you need to label it. This will help toddlers learn the names of the concepts or skills that are represented on the poster.
Tips for using anchor posters
Here are some tips for using anchor posters with toddlers:
Make the posters accessible. Toddlers should be able to see and reach the anchor posters. You can hang them on the wall or place them on a low table.
Talk about the posters. Point out the pictures on the poster and talk about them with your toddler. This will help them learn the names of the concepts or skills that are represented on the poster.
Use the posters for play. Toddlers can use the anchor posters for a variety of activities, such as matching games, sorting activities, and labeling activities.
Be patient. It takes time for toddlers to learn new concepts and skills. Be patient and supportive as they learn.
Anchor posters are a great way to help toddlers learn and grow. They are visual representations of concepts and skills that can be used to provide a visual reference, scaffold learning, and promote independence. Anchor posters can be made at home or purchased from a variety of sources. When using anchor posters, be sure to make them accessible, talk about them with your toddler, and use them for play. With a little patience and support, your toddler will be learning new things in no time!
Here are some references we recommend with some additional information on the effectiveness of Anchor Posters for early learning :
https://www.literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/member-benefits/e-ssentials/ila-e-ssentials-8065.pdf
https://www.weareteachers.com/anchor-charts-101/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaced_repetition
