You Oughta Know The Best Way to Take Attendance

Hi friends! I'm back. It's only been a... week! What??? I've been spending a lot of time in my classroom trying to get moved in and set up. The sweet Mrs. McClain has invited me to join her blog hop to share something "you oughta know." Yipee! I think now is the perfect time to share some tips since we're all setting up and getting situated. I thought it'd be fun to share how I take attendance. #freebiealert

So, I love LOVE Rick Morris' classroom management strategies and have found them to be extremely effective. Click {HERE} to visit his website. His idea of using magnets to take attendance is genius! Now, don't get me wrong... I'm a morning person, but I don't like a rowdy class first thing in the morning. So, I use magnets to take attendance and get a lunch count. I don't have to ask where Susie is and what Johnny's having for lunch. I can look at the board and see who's absent and what students are having for lunch. #whatchaeating

My new room has this bookshelf and it's magnetic! This new attendance spot is right by the door.

Last year, I put it up on a cookie sheet because I thought it would be easier to attach the signs, but any magnetic surface will do. Each student is assigned a number, but you could use names just as well. At the beginning of the day all of the magnets are placed below the absent line. When students come in they are expected to move their magnets to the lunch they'll be having. At the beginning of the year, I make it very clear that a student may ONLY move their own magnet. Otherwise, you end up with "Joe's in the office right now, so he's here." <--Doesn't count at my school.

At the end of the day, a student puts the magnets back in order. Thank goodness for classroom jobs. Ain't nobody got time for that.

If you'd like some signs, I created a set and am sharing them for free. Just click {HERE} to download. I hope this helps as you prepare to return to the classroom. Don't forget to continue the blog hop to learn other tips and tricks.

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