Hello friend,
Let me share my PENCIL CHALLENGE STRATEGY with you!
Do you have a system for organizing pencils?
Have you ever heard?
I NEED A PENCIL!
MY PENCIL BROKE!
I DON’T HAVE A PENCIL!
The PENCIL CHALLENGE is designed to challenge students to be responsible and respectful with their school tools.
First of all, for organizational purposes all of my students are numbered in alphabetical order by first name. To prepare the pencil challenge, each pencil pouch is numbered to to align with the student numbers. I use these Pencil Pouches from Office Depot.
Each student is given 3 pencils, a dry erase marker, 1/2 a pink eraser and small cloth for erasing-all the items are numbered. For example, if Alexis is student number 1, then all her items have 1 on them. If she leaves her pencil on the table, then I can look at the number and know who the pencil belongs to.
I explain the expectations to the students usually during the first week of school. However, you can start the pencil challenge at any time of the year.
If you would like more information on teaching expectations, check out this Expectation Bundle or read this blog post.
On Friday, students put their pencil pouches on the counter and the helper of the day puts them in numerical order. I check each pencil pouch for 3 numbered pencils, a dry erase marker, a pink eraser and small cloth to use with the dry erase marker. If they have all the items, they get a small reward. (I use holiday items such as an eraser or pencil, a sticker, a SWAG tag or a small piece of candy.)
If they don’t have all their supplies, I replace the missing items and leave this note —
Dear student you were missing your __________.
I know you can be responsible this week.
Love, Mrs. Honts
This classroom organization strategy helps build responsibility and respect. If I notice a student who repeatedly doesn’t have her supplies in her pencil pouch on Fridays, I will talk to her. Sometimes it’s just a matter of building a habit and reminding a student the routine. If necessary, I contact families to donate more supplies.
To get you started on your own pencil challenge here is a free planning checklist.
Please hit reply and let me know if you’ve tried the great pencil challenge!
Share other ideas you have for keeping track of pencils!
Supporting you all the way! 💗
