Earlier I began a new section in education at Families.com. This section is titled Tips for Teachers. In this section I have been offering advice for teachers based on my own experience and the experience of others.
I have found throughout the years that the more responsibility the teacher can place on the students the faster and easier tasks can be accomplished. Such tasks that come to mind when I think of handing over some duties to the students include morning routines.
Most schools require teachers to collect money, take attendance, and record a lunch count for the day. These duties can be very time consuming for teachers. They can allow students to become rowdy and the day to be delayed in getting started with the class work.
Therefore I have created a method of allowing students to make lunch choices and complete attendance without my direct supervision.
These tasks are easier carried out in upper grades. However they are taking place in my kindergarten class also.
There are several different ways to place the lunch count in the hands of the students. If the children are able to read, create a chart with the same number of columns as lunch choices. Each day use a dry erase marker or chalk to write up the choices. Students then can place a marker with their name under their choice.
I prefer doing this on a magnetic surface. I have columns created on one side and the names on the other side. I used large craft sticks and wrote each child’s name on one side. On the other side I used hot glue to apply a small round magnet. The students simply move the stick under their choice.
In kindergarten, I have older student helpers who tell the students the choices for the day. However, I know of some teachers who use picture cards. I find it difficult to find clear pictures to display the various meals that we now have at schools.
Tips: Managing Student Supplies