Random Name Calling

   A few years ago I observed a teacher in the middle of her Grammar lesson.  She was asking questions and then pulling out a popsicle stick with a student's name on it to answer.  I thought it was such a great idea.  Completely random! 

   Alas, I thought I would never be able to do this with my class. What would I do? Write all 500+ students' names on popsicle sticks and then have a cup for each class? I could, but can you imagine the time it would take to do that? So I left the idea alone. 

   Then, one day when I was looking back through my blog at this post on my Art Helpers, and I realized that I could bring my random idea to life. 

Ta-Da introducing my "Random Name Calling" system!

A set of 4 popsicle sticks for each of my 7 table colors
Each set is dipped into the 7 colors of my tables
The sticks in the set have my helper codes written on them:

Monkey 1

Monkey 2

Zebra 1

Zebra 2

This randomized system has made Q&A time so much fun for the students. I just ask a question then pull out the stick and call out, "Monkey 1 Orange Table" and so on. I have also used the system to help with changing up the seating chart. I'll have students come in the room and draw a stick to see where they'll sit. If I need a helper to assist with something and too many hands fly up, I'll just pull a stick and so on. 

I love randomness!