Pocket-sized class lists. Why didn’t I think of that? Thankfully my colleague Ann did and she graciously shared this with me so that I could be just a little more “with-it” this year! I have over 125 students, plus 15 home base kids and these mini-lists have been SO helpful in keeping it together as I start this school year.
On each mini class list I included:
– Student names
– Number of students (Quick head count!)
– Class period
– Class start and end times (Yup…I’m that teacher who lets her class out late on occasion…whoops!)
– One confidential set has bee, nut and other allergies/conditions.
– One set has a place to write notes at the bottom. (I paperclip these to class sets of collect papers.)
I took each of my five classes outside yesterday for a schoolyard habitat survey. I loved having my class lists handy, plus all the information I needed regarding bee allergies…etc just in case!
When I typed up my miniature class lists, I made a few versions. One version includes medical information that is coded by letter. I only made one copy of this and it stays around my neck for obvious reasons. The lists are covered, so that kids can’t see them when I’m wearing my lanyard and with the letter coding, it would be difficult for my 6th graders to figure it out even if they did catch a quick glance. I just feel better knowing I have this information at hand.
I keep the lists clipped on my lanyard which also stores my teacher ID, room keys and extra flash drive. I pretty much NEVER take this off at school! Note: I don’t actually use the little cover “class lists” because I like to use a small binder clip to hold the cards together with my ID badge as the cover. I wasn’t about to show that here….Well, because my photo is me plus 60 pounds of pregnancy weight and a really bad pixie short haircut. Let’s just say, last year was NOT my best school photo year!
I also made a set of class lists that did not have any medical or other information which I use a few different ways. I keep this mini set near my door so that I can grab it and put it in my pocket if we are heading out for a fire drill (if for some reason my lanyard is at home or connected to my computer). It is also right near my classroom phone so that I can reference it when the secretary calls and asks what class period “Sarah” is in. (Hmmm….I have 6 Sarah’s and 5 teaching blocks…lets see!)
The last super handy use I have for these pocket-sized class lists is collecting student work. I copy a bunch of these for each class and keep them handy when collecting assignments. I personally struggle to keep late/missing assignments straight. This strategy really helps me remember the specific situations for each missing assignment so that I can record them in my electronic grade book later.
If you are addicted to new, BRIGHT ways to improve your classroom instruction please to follow me at TpT, Facebook or Bloglovin!
This month’s bright idea comes from the most dedicated teacher in my school. I see her car in the school parking lot late at night when I’m driving to the grocery store to buy the snack I forgot about for my son’s preschool. She’s the one who remembers everyone’s birthday (including my own children). When I see her students’ returned papers, they always have such thoughtful remarks, not just numbers…but real feedback. Talk about “with-it-ness”…this women is an amazing teacher! I’m so thankful to call her my friend and colleague. So Ann, this bright idea is all yours babe. Thanks for sharing!
I hope you enjoyed this bright idea post. Please browse the link-up below for more bright ideas from over 100 other teacher-bloggers. There are ideas for all different grade levels and disciplines.
