Student's Sign-in and Sign-out Display

If you are looking for a way that all students will feel a part of the classroom environment upon entering and leaving the school here’s an idea for you to incorporate sign-in and out.  If possible, place an easel outside your entrance door or post on wall next to door where the students will place their Velcro name tag under appropriate column (school/home).  Review the student’s information form to add primary language spoken in home to incorporate on the display.  If English only it is a good idea to add another to expose students to different language as well.

Below are examples from NC pre-k license teachers who created sign-in and sign-out boards.  The pictures shown can be modified by adding a specific sticker next to student’s name that’s only assigned to him/her.  NOTE:  the sticker will be used inside the classroom to title specific materials related to him/her like cubby, center name tag and so forth.  After the student has learnt his/her name on the review side have only the first name written and if needed can use the reverse side and see the sticker for recognition.  

If you have other methods to have student’s sign-in and sign-out please share.  Knowledge is powerful.

Displaying Student's Interest Topics

Students enter their pre-k classroom with a vast range of interests from personal experiences at home, exploration of classroom materials, and so much more.  They will articulate the topics of interests to classroom teacher or parents will share as part of parent-teacher conversations.  To ensure the interest topics will be addressed (when possible) to record student’s name, topic, and date on post it notes then displayed. 

The teacher can select two or three of the interest topics for the students to vote on for upcoming lesson plan.  After topic is selected, teachers will start collaboration on writing the lesson plan, create materials for circle time discussions, centers, parental involvement activities and so forth.

If you do not offer the students the option to vote because you have set theme topics review the student’s interest to interweave when possible.  After embedded share with individual student that their interest topic is being discussed to validate their thoughts, opinions and interests.

Below are examples of NC pre-k licensed teachers I serve as their evaluator/mentor display of student’s interest topics.  You will also see when students were given the post it note to write their interest topic to post.  NOTE:  The teacher engage the student in conversation to tell him/her about what was written/drawn on the post it note.  Prior to posting on the reverse side teacher will write name, interest and date.  The student’s work is still respected for the contribution to upcoming lesson topics.

After reviewing the photos, I hope you have gained a better insight on displaying and incorporating student’s interest topics.  If you have questions for clarification write in comment section for replies.  Enjoy expanding student’s interest topics embedded in lessons.