ABSTRACT
Early in the school year, take pictures of your students and glue the pictures on magnets or put students’ names on Popsicle sticks. When students enter the classroom in the morning, each moves his or her magnet or stick from “home” to one of three columns: school lunch, home lunch, extras (e.g., buying ice cream, milk). Immediately following morning announcements, a student helper counts the number in each column and writes the name of any absent student. The teacher can quickly scan the room to make certain the student is truly absent. This method saves time when submitting lunch and attendance counts. When lining up for lunch, the teacher then can call students by the column groups. With each group lined up in order, students get through the cafeteria line quickly. Also see Attendance.
