Popsicle Sticks Can Be Heroes!

 

You would not think that a popsicle stick, also known as craft sticks, could be the hero of a classroom.  Yes, something as simple as student names on the stick can help you manage your classroom! You may want to reread that previous sentence!  That's what I said!  The follow are a few ideas on how these sticks can help you with classroom management.

 

At the beginning of the day or throughout the day pick a popsicle stick from a cup.  But, do not tell the students who you chose.  This student becomes the special student, secret student, mystery student or whatever name you want to give that student. Tell the class that if this student follows the rule you want the whole class to follow then they will earn the class a sticker, a marble in the jar, a letter to spell out the name of a reward, or whatever you would like to give the class as a reward.  For example, if you want the class to walk down the hall quietly then draw a name from the cup.  Don't tell them the name of the special student.  Tell them that if the special student walks down the hall correctly (you have already modeled and practiced the correct way to walk down the hall) then that person will earn the class a marble in the jar or whatever reward you want them to earn. (when the marble jar is full the class earns a special reward).  Reveal the name of the student if they exhibit the correct way to walk down the hall.  If they chose not to walk correctly down the hall, do not reveal the name, but put the stick back in the jar to give them another chance. Later on, if you chose, privately let the student know that they did not exhibit the correct behavior.  Review what the expectations are for walking down the hall and that they will have another chance.  Of course, as the teacher if you draw a name of a misbehaving student and you want  the class to have a positive experience to see what that feels like, don't reveal the name on the stick, but change the name to someone who was modeling good behavior.  The students don't have to see the stick.  You have the right as the teacher to do what would best manage your class. 

 

When first starting this you may want to think about choosing sticks often.  Some special student ideas include: the special student who gets to work in the expected way, the student who has all their supplies for the day, the student who puts their name on their homework, the student has their homework, the list is endless. 

 

Another way popsicle sticks can be used to manage the class is during questioning. I've been in classrooms where the same handful of students are always being called on. Popsicle sticks will solve that problem and get more kids engaged in the discussion.  You will need two cups.  One cup will need to be smaller than the other so when they fit one inside the other there is a space between them.  The space needs to be large enough for the popsicle sticks to fit.  All the sticks with the students' names on them go in the inner cup.  Ask a question, give wait time, and then call the student's name on the stick to answer. Put the stick in the space between the two cups.  The students will think you are putting their name back in the mix and hopefully will think there is a possibility of being called on again so they won't "check out" on the discussion. You know the names in the space are who you have already called to answer a question,  Every once in a while you may want to pull a stick from the space to make sure they think they could still be called on to answer another question.

 

Let's talk a minute about the part above where I said that the teacher should ask the question, give wait time, and then call the student's name.  So, often I see teachers preface the question with the student's name.  For example: Mary, what is the capitol of Texas?  Well, the rest of the class is relieved that Mary was the one called on and is no longer participating because this is now between Mary and the teacher.  Whew, they "dodged the bullet", but poor Mary had to answer.  If you ask the question and give wait time, the kids don't know who you will call on and they all have to think of the answer.  At this point they could share their answer with their neighbor.  Do not give the question and immediately call on someone. Wait time gives everyone on opportunity to come up with an answer Then pull from the sticks for the name of the student who will answer. 

 

It's amazing how something as simple as a popsicle stick can be the answer to some of your classroom management and questioning issues.  Try it!  The hobby stores sell them. It's worth the investment.  Then go enjoy a popsicle in honor of the mighty hero!