We all pull sticks to call on our students in kindergarten. They love when their name is pulled and allows them an opportunity to speak (even when they have nothing to say). I use this management tool a little differently in my classroom and it has really helped me as a teacher. I color code them by their language level. So red might mean the student is a Beginner and blue is for an Early Intermediate, etc. Why is this such a great idea? It forces me to remember that all students need an opportunity to talk but my more limited English children need lots of practice.
After students have modeled appropriate responses I pull a stick that is color coded for my ELL's and I know that I am providing them with important speaking time. On the back of the can I made labels for my coding just so a substitute will be able to use this effectively too! This is such an easy way to differentiate.
Notice that I used labels for their names and colored the tips of the sticks with different colors, using markers. The can came from Target dollar spot and this took very little time to put together. Do you use this management strategy or do you like something else better?
