Instead of packing right now I just printed off the name plates I made last week. My printer was out of ink, but I have ink now and so I am able to print off some of the documents I made for my classroom. These name plates were inspired by Wong's book The First Days of School. He suggested having an alternative way for students to ask you questions during seat work time than raising their hands and distracting the entire class. He said to use index cards to make a pyramid with "Please Help Me" on one side and on the flip side "Please Keep Working". Students are to turn their cards to the side "Please Help Me" when they need assistance and the sign on the back that is then facing them reminds them to keep working until the teacher can come help.
I decided to take it to a further level and created a "brochure" document on Publisher so that it could be folder into 3 sides. I have the "Please Help Me" and the "Please Keep Working" sides but added a Name side so that they can act as name cards for seating as well! They will be easy to move when we change seats and will serve two purposes that way.
Here are some pictures. I have them in black and white. On the first day of school I think their first assignment will be to find the seat with the flat paper of this with their name on it for their seat and then to color it. I can put them together after school and they will be ready for use the next day complete with great colors.
(I just used paper clips to hold it together with today, but for the classroom use I will use either tape or glue.)
Very creative and practical!
ReplyDeleteMegan
Blackboard and Beyond
I've been thinking of doing something similar. I want to have their name on one side, cursive alphabet on another, and I'm debating about "I need help" on the last side. My students just usually raise their hands when they need help or ask three before me so I'm not sure if that would be helpful for me. Last year half of my class demolished their name tags. I've wondered if I'll have the same issue this year. I hate to put a lot of time, effort, and lamination into the project if they are just going to be smashed or thrown on the floor. What do you think? Are you still using this style?
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs. Aldred! I am still using this style of name tags and plan to this next year as well. It works well for me. Some of the name tags do get squished or come un-stapled, but overall my students take good care of them. I prefer the use of these over hands being in the air during independent work time as it keeps the students focused on the task as opposed to sitting there staring at me with their hand up. I love your idea about the cursive alphabet on one side of it!
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