Choosing individual students can be challenging because some students are eager to participate, some are shy, others reluctant, but all need opportunities to participate in class and we have to assess them. Many years ago a colleague shared an idea of using a set of cards for class games, and a few years before that I saw a teacher use class cards to determine which students had a turn with the class set of books. So, the card idea wasn’t mine, but I’ve revised the way I use the cards, and the cards themselves, several times during my teaching career. Please feel free to use this card template or revise them in any way that meets your needs.
How I use them: Under each category there are two columns of boxes. The smaller one on the left is for the date and the one on the right for a note or scribble. If students write a note or rhythm on the board, I’ll mark it under the correct column. The game column is especially important to my students, though. If someone has had a turn at the jump rope game, for example, I scribble the date and write “jump” in the right column. Those students don’t get a turn again until everyone has had a turn to jump on one week or another. In the game Chicken on the Fencepost/Dance Josey, I write “DJ” when they get at turn as a farmer and no one repeats until every student has had a chance. The list goes on and on, but the students feel that it’s fair. The same goes for the Instrument section. If three students are called on to play a bass xylophone bordun to accompany a song, the students know I’ll call on someone else the next time. Naturally, there are plenty of lessons that everyone will play an instrument in, but in the case of only a few players, I mark their cards and spread the wealth.
How do you handle calling on students for class activities?
I use a few different methods, but only because I am scatter-brained! I have a file folder for each class with a roster and a page for notes stapled inside. I usually make a simple mark on the roster when a child has had a turn in a game or activity.
Sometimes, though, if we are playing a quick game at the end of class (because we got through something quickly), I write a note of the kids who still need a turn on a post-it and hide it somewhere in my room. The kids think it is hilarious, and they always remember where it is hidden. Sort of silly, and not very organized, but it is always funny. 🙂