TAKE IT HOME

To help students organize take-home papers, use a FISH (For Information Sent Home) folder. For each student, label one of the inside pockets of a two-pocket folder "Keep at Home" and the other pocket "Read and Return." Prepare a folder cover like the one shown with a fish and air bubbles. Then copy the paper to make a class supply. Have each student write his name on the fish and staple the paper to the front of a prepared folder. Each day, a student places his papers in the appropriate sections of his folder and takes it home. A parent or guardian reviews the contents and then initials and dates one of the air bubbles. After all the air bubbles have been used, attach a new sheet to the front of the folder.

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GOOD BEHAVIOR COUNTS

Encourage students to work toward a class goal! Present a large, blank hundred chart to students and explain that for each positive behavior they show, a space will be colored. Attach a sticker at each increment of 25 and tell students that each time the coloring reaches a sticker, they will receive a predetermined reward or privilege. When the class exhibits a positive behavior, invite a student to color in the next available square on the chart. Reward students at each marker and once the chart is full, congratulate the class for completing 100 positive behaviors!

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HOMEWORK AT A GLANCE

To make sure students take home all the necessary materials to complete their homework, try this picture-perfect tip! Take a close-up photograph of each textbook, journal, or notebook commonly needed for homework assignments. Glue each photo to a sheet of tagboard and then laminate it for durability. Attach a piece of magnetic tape to the back of each picture. Title an area of the board "What to Bring Home." Each day, place the appropriate pictures on the board. With a quick glance at the board, students are sure to be prepared to complete their homework!

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QUICK COLLECTING

Use file folders to avoid collecting papers after students complete each assignment! Have each student personalize and decorate a file folder and store it in his desk. Ask him to place all work to be collected in the folder. At the end of the day, have each child remove his papers from his folder, staple them together, and place them in a designated location. Then have the child return the folder to his desk.

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COMPUTER TIME

Ensure that all students get equal opportunity to use a classroom computer. Attach a library pocket to one side of each computer. Write each student's name on a separate craft stick and store the craft sticks name-side down in a cup. Prior to students' arrival, place a craft stick in each library pocket to assign a student to that computer. After a student's turn is over, place his craft stick name-side up in the cup to signify that he has had a turn. Simply flip the sticks over to begin a new rotation.