My Absent Folders

As promised, I finally finished this project. My policy for these folders states that no credit will be given unless the folder is turned in with the work due. We will see how it goes. I realized I only had materials to make 3 of these instead of 5. I am trying to decide if I really need that many or if 3 will be sufficient. I do not think I would have more than 3 students gone in a day but in a week, yes. What happens if all my previously absent students have the folder at home and then I have more absent students? Perhaps I should have the returning student move the papers in the absent folder to their homework folders and then just keep the folders for only in class use. Any thoughts?

How to create: I used PrintMaster software to design a simple "We miss you. Welcome Back" sign and printed it out. I then cut it down, laminated it and used spray adhesive to attach it to the folders. I used tape to make the frame around each picture. I cut the duct tape in half to make a thinner frame and then also to trim it to perfection. Using my Cricut, I cut out some letting and then sprayed it with a clear lacquer to seal it and ensure students would not be pulling off the pieces.

To make these ready for use, each folder has 2 postcards (the absent and appointment cards) on the left inside pocket. I need to find someplace to keep the folders that will be easily accessible first thing in the morning so that I can lay it on a student's desk when they are absent. I will do the same thing for the tardy student or the student leaving early as they too may have missing work. Once returned, I will pull all the papers out to grade, the student will place the appointment card in my mailbox, and then restock the folder with the 2 postcards and return it to its spot.

Tips for this project: Make sure you have both color and ink in your printer prior to trying to print. It does not work without ink! (Thought I could make you all laugh since I really did end up printing out the pages blank the first time and had to run out to buy more ink!)

YOUR SHOPPING LIST:
~ 3-5 Red Plastic 2-Pocket Folders
~ Printer paper
~ Printer with color & black ink
~ Black Duct Tape
~ Spray Adhesive
~ Laminating Sheets/Clear Contact Paper
~ Black Adhesive Vinyl
~ Cricut
~ Exacto knife and cutting board

Scheduling Student Appointments

I have two special needs children and as such have learned the importance of individualized instruction first hand. For this reason, I am always looking for ways to better serve my students in order to meet their wants and needs. This is no easy task! Perhaps my vision is too lofty but as the Grinch once said "this is what these tests are for!"

Yesterday, I discussed my plans for dealing with absent students. It is going to happen, a student is going to miss a test and they will need to make it up. The table manager will write it on the post card but I need something to remind me as well. So I went to Vistaprint and created an appointment postcard. The table manager will write the name of the student and the test required under reason and place it in my mailbox (future blog post!) - this will serve as a reminder to me that during group time or centers I will need to schedule some time to administer the exam to the absent student.

These cards are also multi-functional. Students can use these to request one-to-one assistance on any issue they have including requests for tutoring or more challenging materials or a personal issue. Some students need more attention so they can request to have lunch with me. Sometimes a student may have a particular interest or passion that they want to pursue and they can request class time through this to do so.

How do you schedule missed exams? How do you manage the different needs and requests from your students? 

The Absent Student

Students are unfortunately going to be absent but having a plan or procedure in place will ensure that the student misses as little as possible. I first started thinking about this when I stumbled across Mrs. Gilchrist's Blog. Mrs. Gilchrist is another amazing talented teacher who spends her free time sharing her success stories and hard work to ensure that others in her profession will benefit from her experience.

I came across the following item which I found absolutely genius! I have all the supplies to make my own folders yet have not completed the project yet. As soon as I do, I will post pictures. I will be creating 5 of these for the year. The rule I have established for my classroom is that in order for the work to be accepted, it has to be turned in with the folder. I hope having 5 in circulation will be enough. If you use this method, how many do you have for your class?

I decided to take this wonderful idea and make it my own. In addition to the absent folder which will have all of the handouts for the day inside, I created a Vistaprint postcard. You can't see it in the picture but under the title in white it reads "While you were out, we...."

One of my classroom jobs (future blog) is table manager. I have 5 of these... one for each of the table groups in my classroom. The job of the table manager is to pass out and collect assignments as well as make sure the absent postcard is filled in and all papers for the day are secured inside the folder. This item will be left on the students desk for their return unless a parent has called to request homework. Then it will be available after school in the office. The reason it is left on the desk is just in case the student is absent more than one day.

Thoughts on improving this item: add spelling as a subject, add a date line, and add a name line. Also thinking about adding "So glad to have you back!" as the last line on the back of the postcard. For now, this sample would work. It is sitting in my Vistaprint goody box in the garage waiting for some lucky future student.