Decisions, Decisions

Each morning, my students have choices to make. Lunch Choice 1 or 2? White or chocolate milk? Asking individual while taking attendance is a great way to make sure your morning round up doesn't get to the office in a timely manner. I avoid this problem by using clip charts where students can move a clothespin to show their choice. This is a part of our morning routine that falls between putting away backpacks and starting morning work.

My Lunch Choice clip chart has 4 ribbons. From left to right, these represent Lunch Choice 1 (yellow), Lunch Choice 2 (red), Brought My Lunch (blue), and Absent (green). I have index card sized pictures of each lunch choice thanks to my irreplaceable paraprofessional, Miss Joyce. She's the best! Those are fastened to the chart using small binder clips. Velcro would probably work just as well. The lunchbox is glued to the chart since that doesn't change.

Each student has their very own clothespin that says their name. They move the clothespin to the ribbon that matches their choice. That makes lunch count quick and easy for me as well as giving the kids a tiny bit of fine motor practice to start the day. After school, I move all the clothespins back to the absent ribbon.

In case your interest, here's a How-To! (No pictures this time--sorry, I forgot!)

Step 1: Acquire foam board and ribbon to your taste.

Step 2: Slice foam board in half. I used a kitchen knife. Any sort of razor blade or box cutter would work well. Don't try to use scissors on foam board. Just don't.

Step 3: Using the knife/box cutter/razor blade, stab the foam board to create 2 slits about 3/4 of an inch apart. The slits should match the width of your ribbon.

Step 4: Thread ribbon through slits and tie in a bow. For an extra secure hold, stick and extra sturdy pin through the knot and bend the point backward with needle-nosed pliers.

Step 5: Repeat steps 3-4 until you have the correct number of ribbons.

Step 6: Label each ribbon according to its purpose.

Step 7: Write each student's name on a clothespin.

Step 8: Tell your students what this new device is and put it to use!

I hope this directions make sense to you. Again, sorry for the lack of pictures. Feel free to post any questions in the comment section. And as always, keep it class-y, ya'll.