Procedures: Directing Students to Direct Themselves

Taking Attendance

Place a sign-in sheet at the entrance to the classroom, preferably next to the studentsí work files. The following format works well and a sample for you to copy follows at the end of this article:

DATE:

ATTENDANCE SIGN-IN

NAME

TIME IN

TIME OUT

TOTAL TIME

Wide spacing on this form will encourage signatures large enough that you will be able to read the names from a standing position. That is a good way to refresh your memory when you have forgot­ ten a new student's name. You will want to use a student's name frequently in conversation, espe­ cially when greeting him/her upon arrival each day.

This sign-in sheet affords you accuracy in completing the Daily Attendance report. It also serves as a record of students in the classroom should you be required to vacate the room for a safety reason such as a fire.

SAVE THE SIGN-IN SHEETS. They will be valuable as a reference for attendance questions.

Registering Students

Completing a substantial amount of paperwork on Day One of student attendance will make your life easier and give your student a task he or she can complete successfully.

Prepare about 50 new-student packets before the semester begins. Replenish the supply as it dwindles to ten or fewer packets.

I recommend a student packet include the following. It is best to have the student complete the forms in pencil to allow for correction.

  1. Letter-size manila file folder with a blank file label. (Direct the student to print his/her name – last name first – on the label.)
  2. Blank assignment sheet stapled to the inside left of the folder.
  3. Registration form. (Observation of the ability to complete this form gives you an early clue to the student's literacy level. Offer help if it seems needed.)
  4. Index card and instruction sheet. This index card is a shorthand key to student information (see Index Card File section above). The instruction sheet can be saved and reused the next time you compile a packet.
  5. Other forms required by your district or community college, possibly a Privacy form, a Field-trip Permission form, and Internet Permission form.
  6. Initial Interview Form.
  7. Printed classroom policies and safety instructions.
  8. Your business card indicating a phone number your students can give to childcare providers or can use to leave messages for you.

Clip the entire new-student packet together. After a student completes these papers, sort them as follows: