Teaching Resources

Anchor Chart Templates: Free Printable Charts for Every Subject

10+ ready-to-use anchor chart templates for ELA, math, and science. Includes informational writing anchor chart, area anchor chart for 3rd grade, partner reading anchor chart, and more. Copy any chart with one click.

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Chart Templates

10+

Complete anchor chart templates with organized sections, ready to copy and print for your classroom.

Subjects Covered

4

ELA, math, science, and social studies charts spanning all core content areas.

Grade Levels

K-8

Templates designed for elementary and middle school classrooms with adaptable content.

What Is an Anchor Chart?

An anchor chart is a visual teaching tool created during classroom instruction that summarizes key concepts, strategies, or processes. Displayed prominently in the classroom, anchor charts serve as a persistent reference point that "anchors" student learning. They are most effective when co-constructed with students during a lesson, building understanding step by step.

Why Anchor Charts Work

  • Provide visual support for diverse learners
  • Reinforce learning by keeping key ideas visible
  • Build student independence and self-monitoring
  • Support English Language Learners with visual cues

Best Practices

  • Create during the lesson, not before
  • Use color, icons, and minimal text
  • Display at student eye level
  • Reference charts regularly during instruction
Informational WritingArea 3rdPartner ReadingPersuasive WritingFractionCharacter TraitsScientific MethodCause andMain IdeaMultiplication Strategies

10+ Complete Anchor Chart Templates

Each template includes organized sections with headers and bullet points. Click "Copy" to copy the entire chart content to your clipboard, then paste into a document or write on chart paper.

Informational Writing Anchor Chart

Popular

Teach students the structure and elements of informational/expository writing.

Introduction
  • Hook the reader (interesting fact, question, or bold statement)
  • Introduce the topic clearly
  • State the main idea or thesis
  • Preview what the reader will learn
Body Paragraphs
  • Each paragraph focuses on ONE main idea
  • Topic sentence introduces the paragraph's focus
  • Supporting details: facts, examples, definitions, statistics
  • Explain how details connect to the main idea
Transitions
  • First, Next, Then, Finally
  • Additionally, Furthermore, Moreover
  • For example, For instance, In fact
  • However, On the other hand, In contrast
Text Features
  • Headings and subheadings organize information
  • Bold or italic words highlight key vocabulary
  • Diagrams, charts, and illustrations support text
  • Captions explain visual elements
  • Glossary defines important terms
Conclusion
  • Restate the main idea in a new way
  • Summarize key points
  • Leave the reader with a final thought or call to action

Area Anchor Chart 3rd Grade

Popular

Help 3rd graders understand area measurement with visuals and real-world connections.

What Is Area?
  • Area = the amount of space INSIDE a flat (2D) shape
  • We measure area in SQUARE UNITS
  • Think of it like tiles covering a floor
  • Area is different from perimeter (the distance AROUND a shape)
How to Find Area
  • Method 1: Count the square units inside the shape
  • Method 2: Use the formula Length x Width = Area
  • Method 3: Break irregular shapes into rectangles, then add
  • Always label your answer with SQUARE units (sq in, sq ft, sq cm)
Area Formulas
  • Rectangle: Area = Length x Width
  • Square: Area = Side x Side
  • Example: A rectangle 5 cm long and 3 cm wide = 5 x 3 = 15 sq cm
  • Example: A square with 4 in sides = 4 x 4 = 16 sq in
Square Units We Use
  • Square inches (sq in or in2) -- small objects
  • Square feet (sq ft or ft2) -- rooms, gardens
  • Square centimeters (sq cm or cm2) -- math class
  • Square meters (sq m or m2) -- large areas
Real-World Examples
  • How much carpet do we need for the classroom?
  • How big is the garden we want to plant?
  • How many tiles fit on the kitchen floor?
  • How much wrapping paper covers a book?

Partner Reading Anchor Chart

Popular

Set expectations for successful partner reading with EEKK positioning and behavior norms.

EEKK: How to Sit
  • E -- Elbow to Elbow (sit side by side)
  • E -- Elbow to Elbow (close enough to share)
  • K -- Knee to Knee (face the same direction)
  • K -- Knee to Knee (both can see the book)
  • One book between two partners, held in the middle
Voice Levels
  • Use a "whisper voice" or "partner voice"
  • Only your partner should hear you
  • Volume level 1 or 2 (not 3, 4, or 5)
  • If the room gets too loud, everyone pauses and resets
Taking Turns
  • Partner A reads one page, then Partner B reads the next
  • OR: Read a paragraph each, then switch
  • OR: Echo reading -- one reads, the other repeats
  • Follow along with your finger while your partner reads
Being a Good Listener
  • Eyes on the book
  • Ears listening to your partner
  • Wait patiently -- do NOT interrupt
  • Help with tricky words ONLY if your partner is stuck for 5 seconds
  • Give a compliment: "Great expression!" or "Nice fluency!"
After Reading Together
  • Talk about what you read
  • Ask each other questions about the story
  • Share your favorite part
  • Make a connection: text-to-self, text-to-text, or text-to-world

Persuasive Writing Anchor Chart

Guide students through the structure of persuasive/opinion writing.

State Your Claim
  • Clearly state your opinion or position
  • Use strong language: "I believe...", "It is clear that..."
  • Make your stance obvious from the start
  • Hook the reader with a question or bold statement
Give Reasons
  • Provide at least 3 strong reasons
  • Each reason gets its own paragraph
  • Order reasons from least to most important
  • Use linking words: First, Second, Most importantly
Support with Evidence
  • Facts and statistics make your argument stronger
  • Use examples from real life or text
  • Expert opinions add credibility
  • Explain WHY your evidence supports your reason
Address the Other Side
  • Acknowledge the opposing viewpoint
  • "Some people may think... however..."
  • Explain why your position is stronger
  • This shows you have thought critically about the topic
Write a Strong Conclusion
  • Restate your opinion in a new way
  • Summarize your strongest reasons
  • End with a call to action: tell the reader what to DO
  • Leave a lasting impression

Fraction Anchor Chart

Break down fraction concepts for visual learners with clear definitions and examples.

What Is a Fraction?
  • A fraction represents PART of a WHOLE
  • Written as one number over another: a/b
  • The whole must be divided into EQUAL parts
  • Example: 1 pizza cut into 4 equal slices = each slice is 1/4
Numerator & Denominator
  • NUMERATOR (top number): how many parts you HAVE
  • DENOMINATOR (bottom number): how many EQUAL parts in the whole
  • Example: 3/4 means 3 parts out of 4 equal parts
  • Memory trick: Denominator is DOWN (starts with D)
Types of Fractions
  • Proper fraction: numerator < denominator (e.g., 2/5)
  • Improper fraction: numerator > denominator (e.g., 7/4)
  • Mixed number: whole number + fraction (e.g., 1 3/4)
  • Unit fraction: numerator is always 1 (e.g., 1/2, 1/3, 1/8)
Equivalent Fractions
  • Different fractions that represent the SAME amount
  • 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6 = 4/8
  • Multiply or divide BOTH numerator and denominator by the same number
  • Use fraction bars or number lines to check equivalence
Comparing Fractions
  • Same denominator: compare the numerators (3/8 > 1/8)
  • Same numerator: smaller denominator = larger fraction (1/3 > 1/5)
  • Use benchmarks: Is it more or less than 1/2?
  • Find a common denominator to compare unlike fractions

Character Traits Anchor Chart

Help students distinguish between internal and external traits and find evidence in text.

Internal Traits (Inside)
  • Personality qualities you cannot SEE
  • Examples: kind, brave, honest, curious, determined, jealous, selfish
  • Shown through a character's thoughts, words, and actions
  • Can change throughout the story (character development)
External Traits (Outside)
  • Physical qualities you CAN see
  • Examples: tall, young, brown-haired, strong, freckled
  • Described by the narrator or other characters
  • Usually do NOT change during the story
How to Find Character Traits
  • What does the character SAY? (dialogue)
  • What does the character DO? (actions)
  • What does the character THINK? (inner thoughts)
  • What do OTHERS say about the character?
  • How does the character CHANGE from beginning to end?
Citing Evidence
  • "In the text it says..." + quote from the story
  • "On page ___, the character..." + specific example
  • "This shows that the character is ___ because..."
  • Always explain HOW the evidence proves the trait
Character Traits vs. Feelings
  • Traits are LASTING qualities (brave, honest, shy)
  • Feelings are TEMPORARY emotions (happy, scared, angry)
  • A character can FEEL scared but still BE brave
  • Look at patterns of behavior to identify true traits

Scientific Method Anchor Chart

Walk students through every step of the scientific method with clear definitions.

1. Ask a Question
  • Start with curiosity -- what do you wonder about?
  • Use WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, or HOW
  • Make sure the question is TESTABLE
  • Example: "Does the color of light affect plant growth?"
2. Research & Observe
  • Learn what is already known about your topic
  • Read books, articles, or reliable websites
  • Talk to experts or watch videos
  • Record background information in your science notebook
3. Form a Hypothesis
  • An educated GUESS that answers your question
  • Use "If... then... because..." format
  • Example: "If I use blue light, then the plant will grow taller because blue light has more energy."
  • Must be testable and specific
4. Experiment & Test
  • Design a fair test with ONE variable changed at a time
  • Identify: independent variable, dependent variable, and controls
  • Follow your procedure step by step
  • Repeat the experiment at least 3 times for reliable results
5. Collect & Analyze Data
  • Record all observations and measurements
  • Use tables, charts, and graphs to organize data
  • Look for patterns and trends
  • Calculate averages if you have multiple trials
6. Draw a Conclusion
  • Was your hypothesis supported or not supported?
  • Use your data as EVIDENCE for your conclusion
  • Explain what you learned
  • Suggest improvements or new questions for future experiments

Cause and Effect Anchor Chart

Teach students to identify cause-and-effect relationships using signal words and organizers.

What Are Cause & Effect?
  • CAUSE = WHY something happened (the reason)
  • EFFECT = WHAT happened (the result)
  • One cause can have MANY effects
  • One effect can have MANY causes
  • Ask: "Why did this happen?" (cause) and "What happened because of this?" (effect)
Signal Words for CAUSE
  • because, since, due to
  • as a result of, caused by
  • the reason for, on account of
  • if... then..., stems from
Signal Words for EFFECT
  • so, therefore, thus
  • as a result, consequently
  • this led to, for this reason
  • because of this, accordingly
Graphic Organizer Ideas
  • Arrow diagram: [Cause] --> [Effect]
  • T-chart with Cause on the left, Effect on the right
  • Chain of events: Cause --> Effect/Cause --> Effect
  • Fishbone diagram for multiple causes leading to one effect
Practice Examples
  • Cause: It rained all day. Effect: The soccer game was canceled.
  • Cause: She studied every night. Effect: She got an A on the test.
  • Cause: The alarm did not go off. Effect: He was late for school.
  • Can you find cause and effect in the book you are reading?

Main Idea Anchor Chart

Clarify the difference between topic, main idea, and supporting details.

Topic vs. Main Idea vs. Details
  • TOPIC: What the text is about in 1-2 words (e.g., "dolphins")
  • MAIN IDEA: The most important point the author makes about the topic (a complete sentence)
  • SUPPORTING DETAILS: Facts, examples, and evidence that prove the main idea
  • Think of it like an umbrella: main idea on top, details underneath
How to Find the Main Idea
  • Step 1: Read the entire passage
  • Step 2: Ask, "What is this mostly about?"
  • Step 3: Look at the first and last sentences (often contain the main idea)
  • Step 4: Check -- do the details support this idea?
  • Step 5: Say it in your own words
Where to Look
  • Title and headings often hint at the main idea
  • First sentence of each paragraph (topic sentence)
  • Last sentence of each paragraph (wrap-up sentence)
  • Repeated words or phrases = important concept
Supporting Details
  • Facts and statistics
  • Examples and illustrations
  • Reasons and explanations
  • Descriptions and definitions
  • Ask: "Does this detail help explain the main idea?"
Main Idea Sentence Starters
  • "The main idea of this passage is..."
  • "This text is mostly about..."
  • "The author wants the reader to understand that..."
  • "The most important point is..."

Multiplication Strategies Anchor Chart

Present multiple strategies for understanding and solving multiplication problems.

What Is Multiplication?
  • Multiplication = GROUPS OF (equal groups)
  • 3 x 4 means "3 groups of 4"
  • It is repeated addition: 3 x 4 = 4 + 4 + 4 = 12
  • The answer is called the PRODUCT
Strategy 1: Arrays
  • Arrange objects in rows and columns
  • Rows = first number, Columns = second number
  • 3 x 4 = 3 rows of 4 dots
  • Great for visual learners -- draw it out!
Strategy 2: Repeated Addition
  • Add the same number again and again
  • 5 x 3 = 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 15
  • Use a number line to hop in equal jumps
  • Works well for smaller factors
Strategy 3: Skip Counting
  • Count by the number you are multiplying
  • 4 x 6: skip count by 6 four times: 6, 12, 18, 24
  • Use a number line or hundreds chart to help
  • Learn skip counting patterns: 2s, 5s, 10s first
Strategy 4: Break Apart (Distributive Property)
  • Break a hard problem into easier parts
  • 7 x 8 = (5 x 8) + (2 x 8) = 40 + 16 = 56
  • Use facts you already know to solve harder facts
  • Great for larger numbers!
Helpful Tips
  • Anything x 0 = 0 (zero property)
  • Anything x 1 = itself (identity property)
  • Order does not matter: 3 x 5 = 5 x 3 (commutative property)
  • Practice fact families to build fluency

Types of Anchor Charts

Different chart types serve different instructional purposes. Choose the right format for your lesson objective.

Process Anchor Charts

Step-by-step charts that walk students through a procedure, such as the writing process, long division, or the scientific method. Great for multi-step tasks students repeat often.

Interactive Anchor Charts

Co-created with students during the lesson. Students contribute ideas, examples, and sticky notes. The chart grows over time as understanding deepens.

Vocabulary Anchor Charts

Define and illustrate key terms with definitions, examples, non-examples, and visuals. Especially effective for math vocabulary and academic language.

Strategy Anchor Charts

List specific strategies students can use when they are stuck, such as reading comprehension strategies, problem-solving steps, or self-regulation techniques.

How to Make Effective Anchor Charts

Follow these 8 research-backed tips to create anchor charts that students actually use and reference.

1

Keep It Simple

Limit content to the most essential information. If you cannot read it from across the room, there is too much text. Use bullet points instead of full paragraphs.

2

Use Consistent Color-Coding

Assign colors to categories (e.g., blue for main idea, green for details, red for vocabulary). Use the same color scheme across all your charts for that subject.

3

Write in Large, Clear Print

Use thick markers and write large enough for every student to read from their seat. Block letters for headings, neat print for details.

4

Include Visuals and Icons

Add simple drawings, symbols, or icons next to key concepts. Visual cues help struggling readers and ELL students access the content.

5

Co-Create with Students

Build the chart during instruction rather than presenting a pre-made one. When students contribute ideas, they take ownership of the learning.

6

Place at Eye Level

Hang charts where students can actually see and reference them during independent work. At eye level, near the relevant subject area.

7

Refer to Charts Regularly

Point to the chart during lessons, direct students to it during work time, and ask them to reference it before asking for help. Build the habit.

8

Archive and Rotate

Keep only current, relevant charts on display. Store older charts in binders or photograph them for a digital reference. Refresh as units change.

Anchor Charts by Subject

A comprehensive list of anchor chart ideas organized by subject area. Use these as inspiration for your next chart.

English Language Arts (ELA)

  • Informational Writing Anchor Chart
  • Persuasive/Opinion Writing Anchor Chart
  • Narrative Writing Anchor Chart
  • Partner Reading Anchor Chart
  • Character Traits Anchor Chart
  • Main Idea and Details Anchor Chart
  • Cause and Effect Anchor Chart
  • Text Features Anchor Chart
  • Reading Strategies Anchor Chart (CAFE, Daily 5)
  • Parts of Speech Anchor Chart

Mathematics

  • Area Anchor Chart (3rd Grade)
  • Fraction Anchor Chart
  • Multiplication Strategies Anchor Chart
  • Place Value Anchor Chart
  • Geometry Shapes Anchor Chart
  • Telling Time Anchor Chart
  • Money and Coins Anchor Chart
  • Measurement Anchor Chart
  • Division Strategies Anchor Chart
  • Math Problem Solving Anchor Chart (CUBES, UPS Check)

Science

  • Scientific Method Anchor Chart
  • States of Matter Anchor Chart
  • Plant Life Cycle Anchor Chart
  • Weather and Climate Anchor Chart
  • Animal Classification Anchor Chart
  • Force and Motion Anchor Chart
  • Ecosystems and Food Chains Anchor Chart
  • Earth's Layers Anchor Chart

Social Studies

  • Map Skills Anchor Chart
  • Community Helpers Anchor Chart
  • Government Branches Anchor Chart
  • Citizenship and Responsibility Anchor Chart
  • Compare and Contrast Cultures Anchor Chart
  • Timeline and Chronology Anchor Chart
  • Primary vs. Secondary Sources Anchor Chart

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Anchor Chart FAQs

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