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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! 

3 comments:

Kreanimo said...

This is a great idea! I have alot of children too. I get every class just 2 hours a week. The shy children tend to get lost sometimes. I have 3 colors of chairs. Maybe I can adapt you system a bit! Thanks for sharing!

Blue-bird
at
http://artlessonsfrombelgium.blogspot.com/

Nancie Kay said...

This would save me soooo many tongue depressors! I just have to figure out how to adapt it to my tables & seating arrangement but it should be very do-able!

Cristy said...

Great post!
I've been struggling with the "stick thing" too -
Thanks!

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