Anchor+Activities

= **Anchor Activities** =

Writing/Reading language arts
 * Content**

This technique is appropriate to use with grade levels 4-10.
 * Grade Level**

RLA.O.7.2.5: from a prompt use the five-step writing process to develop a focused composition that contains specific, relevant details and vivid and precise word RLA.O.7.2.6: use sophisticated transitional words and cues to signal organization of a composition. RLA.O.7.2.4: use the five-step writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, publishing) to generate topics, plan approaches, and develop expository and persuasive writing tasks
 * Curriculum Standards**
 * For seventh grade:**

Anchor activities are ongoing written assignments for students to work on independently throughout a unit. The activities should relate to a specific area or serve as an enrichment opportunity. They are intended to review or extend learning on subject matter, not to be busy work. The students should move independently from each activity. As a teacher you should explain to students what they can get out and independently work on if they finish their work earlier. You can design your anchor activities on any subject or area that your specific students need practice in. The following example is intended to be used for writing: Write three paragraphs describing what you learned about ___ this week. What would happen if Christopher Columbus had landed on Antarctica instead of the Caribbean? Write three paragraphs about what you did this weekend. Which biome would you prefer to live in and why? Make sure to use AT LEAST five words from your vocabulary words this week. Try to use as many as you can.
 * Description of Practices**
 * Journal** - Choose and respond to one of the following prompts:


 * Vocabulary** - Using your vocabulary words that you wrote about in your journal prompt, illustrate your words to your best ability. Make your picture really reflect the definition. Make sure that you illustrate at least five words!


 * Spelling** - Create a crossword puzzle or a word search using your spelling words. Provide an answer key and give it to a friend to complete.

This strategy can be used in a self-contained setting or in a general education setting. In either setting, the student would work on these activities when they have finished independent work or if there is free time at the end of a period. It is a great strategy to use if you have students who all finish at different times, this way you can keep everyone busy and working on something related to the content you are teaching or areas that need practice! You will need to make sure you take the time to explain each anchor activity in detail so that the student has a clear understanding of what they are to do. This way, they can effectively work on the activities without having to ask what they are supposed to be doing.
 * Implementation Considerations**

In the following example, I am a seventh grade student who has just completed my independent work. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqS_vsX40P4
 * Example**:

Tomlinson, A. Carol. (2005). //How to differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classrooms.// Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.
 * Citation:**