Do you get this a lot in your class? You ask a question and everyone wants to answer it. Or, you ask a question and the same two kids raise their hands all the time. This year, I alleviated these problems, and more, by using the ask me cup. I typed everyone's name on a card and put them in a cute cup. Then, whenever I asked questions during whole group lessons, I would simply choose a name from the cup. The children did not even need to raise their hands. The ask me cup helped me remember who I already called on and who I didn't call on. If I needed to assign partners for an activity, I would (without the children's knowledge) pair the cards and then put them back in the container. Then, I would pretend that I was assigning partners right then and there. Sneaky? Yes! But, very helpful! I used the ask me cup all the time and if I forgot to use it, you can bet my students always reminded me! These are the cups I used. I teach three different grades and always use red, yellow, and green to differentiate the grades.

These are the labels I used. You can click on both pictures to download them for yourself. The first one is a Word document so you can type in your own names. The second one is a PDF if you'd rather print them out and hand write the names.
If you don't already have a system in place for how you call on children, I highly recommend this one! Enjoy!
I'm linking this post up with Classroom Freebies! Be sure to go and check out all the other great freebies, too!
What a simple and great idea! I think I might do this next semester! Thanks Lori!
ReplyDeleteShanyn
Coffee, Kids and Compulsive Lists
Great post (as usual). I really love the cups. Thanks for the download.
ReplyDeleteStacy
Simpson Superstars
Ooh I love that idea! I've used popsicle sticks in the past, but this is another great way to call on students! Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletewww.kindertrips.blogspot.com
GREAT IDEA AND LOOOOVE THE CUPS TOO!
ReplyDeleteLusine
Enjoy Teaching English
Thanks for the great tip & the download, too!
ReplyDelete~Jen
Jen's Kinder Kids
I too, like Lisa, have used popsicle sticks, but saw another idea on Pinterest where you could use clothespins and attach them to the top of the pail when you call on someone so that you know who was already called on. I love how many variations to this same problem there are and they can all be used together or bits and pieces of them used. Thanks for sharing yet another great method :)
ReplyDeleteHeidi
My (Not So) Elementary Life
Thanks for linking up! Congrats on your phenomenal growth!
ReplyDelete~Tanya
Mrs. Dwyer’s A+ Firsties
Cute idea! I use something similar in my room, but with class numbers!
ReplyDelete❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher
I use "Fair Sticks." Each child has their name written on one end of a Popsicle stick. After I call on them, I flip their stick upside down. It works for me and the kids love the anticipation in waiting to be drawn!
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:) Dana
I use popsicle sticks, but instead I use numbers. Each student is assigned a number, and if I draw that stick, he or she is the chosen one. This also prevents me from having to make new ones each year!! (Sometimes I'm kinda lazy about that stuff!! haha)
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my blog, I am your latest follower! Your blog is super cute! When I taught 3rd I just used popsicle sticks with their names written on them to call on students. Whenever I would forget, the kids would say, "aren't your going to pull sticks today?" I liked it too because it held me accountable for calling on all students - even my reluctant to raise their hand friends!
ReplyDeleteKickin' it in Kinder
Thanks for all the nice comments. I really enjoyed reading your ideas, too!
ReplyDeleteѼ Lori
Teaching With Love and Laughter
luvyorkies@gmail.com
This is such a great idea!
ReplyDelete~Fern
Great idea! Thanks so much for sharing! Now to find myself a great Ask Me cup!
ReplyDeleteLove the M&Ms!
ReplyDeleteNatalie
TeacheryTidbits
Lori, we do the same thing. We call it 'random reporter'. ; )
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