Getting the Most Out of a Classroom Pocket Chart

 

A class room pocket chart is a great way to keep track of assignments for any type of school assignment. When needed, you can use it as an accountability tool by marking items off your list as they are completed. Classroom pocket charts are often used in K-12 and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. They serve as a reminder and guide to help students stay on task, while providing them with a special place to put their money and ID cards. These classroom charts are also useful in the home as well.

Classroom pocket charts come in a wide variety of sizes, styles and colors. A pocket chart can be as simple as a folded post-it note with a line for writing in the outline, or as complex as a business card or custom pocket chart. Customized pocket charts are great for families as each member can write his or her own little story about the family. Some custom pocket charts even have photos of family and friends printed right onto the cover!

It's important to think of a good layout when planning your classroom pocket chart. One way to do this is to draw one first, using just a pencil to outline the main points that you want to include in your chart. Then, when you are planning out the specifics of the page, think of ways to make the important features stand out. Try to get creative...there really are no limits.

Students usually don't use their pocket charts as much as handouts or slips, so they aren't as likely to become damaged or torn. But a pocket chart is still a valuable class tool and should be treated as such. With proper planning and organization, using a pocket chart can help teachers show the students how important it is to keep track of classwork and give students a sense of order and responsibility.

The key to designing a pocket chart that students will actually use and enjoy is organization. There are many different kinds of pockets for students to put their notes and information in, so make sure you choose the right kind for the class. Use pockets with dividers to group related topics, and use tabs to organize by topic areas. Group topics into sections so that the student studying a certain topic will know where to find the information he or she needs. Organize everything on a single pocket so that the information is easy to find and read.

You can also use stickers or stamps for more visual impact. Stickers and stamps can be used to represent major points of discussion in class, and they can come in various sizes to better represent the level of detail that they cover. Some teachers like to color code class topics so that students know where they are supposed to be at in the class. If you have an assigned reading or research topic, you can color code the topic and use stickers or stamps to remind students of what they needed to do. This can be a great way to keep everyone in the class on task.

Consider printing your pocket chart on a colored background. It makes it easier to see the details of the information, and it gives the room a nice look. It is also easier for other students to see the contents since most students already know what a pocket chart is supposed to look like. Make it as colorful and attractive as possible so that students remember the usefulness of the chart and use it regularly.

A pocket chart can do so much more than keeping track of course facts for the entire class. They can help motivate a student to pay attention during class, to write more, and to take better notes. They are great tools for educators, and they provide lots of benefits for students as well. It doesn't matter if you are using a pocket chart to keep track of homework assignments, or just need to use it as a decoration in the classroom. Just make sure that it has all the features you want, and that you find a design that will fit into the size and design of the pocket chart you decide to use.