Where Am I? + June Currently

Good Morning Friends!

How do you keep up with your students?

I found a way that works perfectly in my classroom, so I wanted to share it with you. =)

 So, how do I keep up with my students going/coming in my classroom?

.... My picture magnet board.

The students in my class are constantly going and coming. During literacy block they are free to leave to go to the library and to take AR tests (once they finish their centers) without my permission. They must always ask to go to the bathroom and they ask me to go to the library if they are going at any other point during the day besides literacy block. I had so much trouble remembering who was where and how many kids were at the library (horrible, I know!) HAH.

So, after Christmas, I introduced the "Where Am I?" board...

Side note: Please excuse the horrible desk and picture. 

The board is on the right hand side on my cabinet. 

This is the only picture I got before I packed up my room. =(

Before students leave my classroom, they MUST move their picture magnet to the spot they are going. They do this before going to the bathroom and the library. Only four students may be at the library at a time, so everyone can quickly look to see how many are already gone. I also have a section for AR tests on this board. I only have two computers, so there is always a line to take AR tests. Students can put their name on the waiting list to take an AR test if there is a line.  I also have a library waiting list. Both waiting lists do a great job of eliminating arguments about who is next. (Side note: The students loved this board and I never had any trouble with students leaving the room without moving their magnets and they always did a great job remembering to move it back to the "In the Room" section once they returned!)  Next year I am going to start the day with all students' magnets on the side of the cabinet. When they come in each morning, they will move their magnet to the "In the Room" section. This way I will quickly be able to tell who is absent for the day and it will make attendance a breeze! =)

I love this board because it was SUPER easy to put up. (All you need is a magnetic surface, magnets, and pictures!) The students LOVE seeing their pictures. And, I always have peace of mind because I always know where all of my students are! I found this wonderful idea when I was subbing last fall! 

How do you keep up with your students? 

I would love to hear some new ideas! 

& Finally... June Currently...

Head on over to Oh Boy Fourth Grade to link up!