We have found that "down" time can be extremely challenging for our referral students. They often struggle with how to fill the time appropriately and too much unstructured time can sometimes lead to increased anxiety and/or behavior issues.
In today's Around Town Round Up, we will provide some ideas for anchor activities (Tomlinson, 2001) that can be used throughout the day to provide additional structure during otherwise unstructured times.
What are anchor activities?
Anchor activities are specified ongoing activities on which
students work independently which may include ongoing assignments that students can work
on throughout a unit or previously determined activities the student has mastered or enjoys doing.
Why use anchor activities?
- provide a strategy for teachers to deal with “ragged time” when students complete work at different times
- they allow the teacher to work with individual students or groups
- provides ongoing activities that relate to the content of the unit or IEP goals
- allow the teacher to develop independent group work strategies
- at the beginning of the day
- when other assigned work is completed
- at times when there is unanticipated “down” time
- at the end of the day before going home
- while waiting for assistance from the teacher
Examples:
Having individual student book bins provides students with books that they can read independently.
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| Kim Hampton Broadway Elementary, Tipp City |
This "Construction Zone" is an area of the classroom where students can place unfinished assignments to work on later.
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| Heather Balkcom Springcreek Primary, Piqua |
When waiting during transitions, students in Rachel Hatton's class wait in their individual chairs and can read books or play with fidgets provided under their waiting chair.
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| Rachel Hatton Normandy Elementary, Centerville |
These students have individual clipboards of unfinished work to complete as an anchor activity.
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| Alexa Willis Snyder Park Elementary, Springfield |
These fine motor bins are an fun activity for students to work on each morning. The assigned bin rotates regularly to keep kids engaged.
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| Kathy Timmerman Fairbrook Elementary, Beavercreek |
This "Finished Choice" bin has reinforcing activities for students to work on if they finish early. It is portable and provides quick clean-up for transitions.
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| Taylor Ruef Stevenson Elementary, Mad River |
Similar to the two examples above, these early finishers tasks provide a variety of fun activities for students.
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| Chalk One Up For The Teacher |
For more great ideas on anchor activities visit our Pinterest Board: Anchor Activities and Early Finisher Tasks
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