Yep. I totally agree. You can waste a lot of energy getting in a wad over stuff like that. Not good for you or the kids. And the supply issue is one that will never go away, so why even fight it?
I completely agree. Just give them what they need to learn. Why get in a tizzy? It’s just a pencil, it’s just a piece of paper. They’re kids and why waste your energy with negativity?
I don’t know why, but pencils get teachers talking! I don’t know how many I go though, but I don’t care… they’re either in the classroom or make it home (But I’m sure a few get left in bus seats, too!) If anyone needs a pencil, they get one. As long as they get used, I’m happy! The crazy thing is my Title 1 school where I can’t get permission slips for free field trips back, I get parents sending pencils in when I tell the kids WE need them. Here’s why: the What’s the number one tool you need in education? A way to record! #giveawatthepencilswithasmile
I am the AP at Millikan MS in charge of PD, and I am in love with the information you have on the Instruction site for Northeast. The quote you began this section about could have been taken from many I have met over the past 25 years. I am overwhelmed with where to start, but your input will guide me. I have a lot of studying, listening, and watching to do…
I’ve heard it put this way, that what we say to children will become their inner voice: I’m a scatterbrain, I’m stupid. I can’t do anything right..and on and on. That inner voice becomes their belief system.
Hmmm, I guess I’m the naysayer here but I don’t think I should “give” them pencils. I’ve thought long and hard on this and I’ve decided that’s a small job they should do on their own. It has nothing to do with “putting them down” or calling them scatterbrains. It’s an expectation like contributing to the household. If I pick up my kids socks at home they will expect me to pick up their socks, then shoes, then clothes, then their entire room. That’s not something I want my students to expect. They need to do the work. They know they don’t get pencils in my room (unless they are in tutorials after school) from day one and guess what – it’s hardly ever a problem. If they don’t have a pencil, they quickly get one from a friend.
I totally agree with this. Children are conditioned to fill expectations and become responsible by the ones who make their expectations known from the beginning. They are proud of themselves for being responsible for the small things. It sets them up to be able to be responsible in the bigger things later in life.
Alas I also don’t ‘give’ pencils to students. But they are welcome to borrow a pencil from my collection of pencils (pencils I gathered from the campus grounds of our high school).
I loan them a pencil, but they must leave one (and only one!) shoe as collateral. Return the pencil when finished, get the shoe back. This helps keep my pencils from walking out the door. If they complain, the answer is simple – bring your own pencil next time!
I don’t think this quote is about enabling people and teaching learned helplessness.. We want to steer clear of that! But it’s important to go about it in a kind, respectful way. There’s also a big difference between forgetting your umbrella once and forgetting your umbrella every day. Work together with students to create a positive solution to their problem. If there has to be a consequence – look for natural consequences, not punishments. If you need to correct them, do so in a way that is about the problem and not about the student. Similar to why we give specific feedback on what a student is doing well versus telling a student, “You are so smart!”
I agree that students should come to class prepared. High expectations, right? I also know there may be students who cannot get those materials because of poverty. I have a few students in that category. I have no problem providing a pencil for them, but they MUST keep up with it or return it to me at the end of the day. If they ask for one more than once in a week and have not returned the previously loaned pencil, it’s on them.
As a custodian { caretaker ] I have collected a few pencils in my time and I hand them back to the tutors for re distribution and next day the cycle repeats itself no harm done and ensures a steady supply to those who may for whatever reason need one, including tutors. Enjoyed the article on shouting and agree he who shouts loudest doesn’t win anything.
Just found your blog..thanks to Michael Friermood!
The pencil is symbolic of anything really….no hidden messages, just give them an umbrella. What to do about forgotten homework is what I struggle with!
I saw a post one time about keeping two cups of pencils in your classroom labeled Sharpened and unsharpened. Students leave the unsharpened one in that cup – take a shapened one. Pencil sharpening is disruptive! I also have mechanical pencils that students can sign out to use. At the end of class, they erase their name when they return the pencil. Pencils are a small thing, and I have learned not the sweat the small stuff. Pencils fall out of their notebooks as they travel the hallways, etc…give them a pencil if they need it. Thanks!
I went to school in a so called third world country and one might expect that students would not have pencils, but every child was expected to have a pencil and they did. Parents made sure . In fact if a child persistently lost a pencil the parent would tie a string to it and put it around their neck. Having learned to be prepared in elementary school children did not need to be reminded in secondary school. In fact am essential part of every children’s school supply list is a pencil case for pencils, pens, erasers and sharpeners. No big deal! The same thing goes for paper. Here, students break pencils, throw them on the floor and expect a new one. Sure, if a child’s pencil would not sharpen properly or a mechanical pencil has no lead, or q back pack has been left on the bus, you give the child a replacement but not on a regular basis when they refuse to come to class prepared.
I completely agree with this. When I supply pencils to my students, many of them do not value them. They break them, snap out the erasers, and leave them wherever. There has to be some awareness and accountability.
I teach 8th grade ELA. I used to teach 4th grade. The pencil issue is no different between grades. They’re not any more responsible four years later. If they need a pencil from me this year, I take something of theirs in exchange, i.e. their phone, a notebook, an ID card. When class is over, we trade back and it’s a win-win. Those they don’t want to surrender a personal item to me for a pencil, has an easier time remembering to bring one.
This has worked with many of my chronic “pencil-less” middle school students for over 25 years of teaching, where it’s usually a control–not money– issue: I have them “hide” one in our classroom. I give them a good pen(cil), and at the end of class they hide it in a safe place of their choosing. They then retrieve it the next day at the beginning of class.
Pencils have been hidden behind books, on top of shelves, behind unassuming posters–even in plain sight behind my wall phone, and in the brim of a decorative hat.
This has worked for many of my middle-schoolers who just want control over some aspect of their lives… maybe 3–5 students yearly on a team of 85. It’s created win-win situations, as opposed to ineffective power-struggles in my classes.
I know this isn’t a cure-all, but because it’s something quirky for my kids, it’s worked. I believe what’s “fair” isn’t always “equal”–especially for kids at an age few adults ever wish to return to. So I feel it’s more effective being flexible, believing there are more important things to teach, and bigger “battles” to eventually fight.
Curious, what happens when another student finds a hidden pencil? Are they successful using the honor system, or do some disappear over the course of the year?
I have put a cup in my room labeled “lost pencils” at the end of the day anybody who finds a pencil on the floor, either the custodial staff, students or teacher place them in there. In the morning, all who did not bring one look for one there. I also have a rule of giving pencils only on Mondays to everyone. The rest of the week, if they forgot one, they either use the “lost pencil cup” or they borrow from a friend of the teacher, but they need to return it. A small procedure can help them build on their responsibility.
The other option I’ve heard of using here is rather than giving a pencil to the student, have them borrow a pencil from another student and then give the student that lent out the pencil a good one from the teacher desk. This rewards the prepared student and encourages the responsibility rather than rewarding the unprepared student.
Wow! Those comparisons are so telling. Trauma informed communication is so necessary. A pencil isn’t worth the well being of my students or classroom environment.
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Love this. I was having a conversation with a teacher the other day about students forgetting pencils. Just give them a pencil. And move on.
Yep. I totally agree. You can waste a lot of energy getting in a wad over stuff like that. Not good for you or the kids. And the supply issue is one that will never go away, so why even fight it?
I agree.
I completely agree. Just give them what they need to learn. Why get in a tizzy? It’s just a pencil, it’s just a piece of paper. They’re kids and why waste your energy with negativity?
Thank you for posting this quote.
Amen!
I don’t know why, but pencils get teachers talking! I don’t know how many I go though, but I don’t care… they’re either in the classroom or make it home (But I’m sure a few get left in bus seats, too!) If anyone needs a pencil, they get one. As long as they get used, I’m happy! The crazy thing is my Title 1 school where I can’t get permission slips for free field trips back, I get parents sending pencils in when I tell the kids WE need them. Here’s why: the What’s the number one tool you need in education? A way to record! #giveawatthepencilswithasmile
I am the AP at Millikan MS in charge of PD, and I am in love with the information you have on the Instruction site for Northeast. The quote you began this section about could have been taken from many I have met over the past 25 years. I am overwhelmed with where to start, but your input will guide me. I have a lot of studying, listening, and watching to do…
Very true. This eliminates so much stress and regrets of words used towards a child.
True
If I cruise the hallways after school I can collect a handful of pencils before the custodians sweep them up and throw them in the trash.
I do this every day! I already have a collection of pencils, highlighters and pens in just a few weeks of school.
I replenish my pencil supply by walking through the 5th grade pod. A dozen pencil every day or so. LOL
I’ve heard it put this way, that what we say to children will become their inner voice: I’m a scatterbrain, I’m stupid. I can’t do anything right..and on and on. That inner voice becomes their belief system.
Hmmm, I guess I’m the naysayer here but I don’t think I should “give” them pencils. I’ve thought long and hard on this and I’ve decided that’s a small job they should do on their own. It has nothing to do with “putting them down” or calling them scatterbrains. It’s an expectation like contributing to the household. If I pick up my kids socks at home they will expect me to pick up their socks, then shoes, then clothes, then their entire room. That’s not something I want my students to expect. They need to do the work. They know they don’t get pencils in my room (unless they are in tutorials after school) from day one and guess what – it’s hardly ever a problem. If they don’t have a pencil, they quickly get one from a friend.
I totally agree with this. Children are conditioned to fill expectations and become responsible by the ones who make their expectations known from the beginning. They are proud of themselves for being responsible for the small things. It sets them up to be able to be responsible in the bigger things later in life.
Alas I also don’t ‘give’ pencils to students. But they are welcome to borrow a pencil from my collection of pencils (pencils I gathered from the campus grounds of our high school).
I loan them a pencil, but they must leave one (and only one!) shoe as collateral. Return the pencil when finished, get the shoe back. This helps keep my pencils from walking out the door. If they complain, the answer is simple – bring your own pencil next time!
I LOVE this idea – leave something of yours and you can borrow something of mine! I am going to leave you my shoe and borrow your idea!
I don’t think this quote is about enabling people and teaching learned helplessness.. We want to steer clear of that! But it’s important to go about it in a kind, respectful way. There’s also a big difference between forgetting your umbrella once and forgetting your umbrella every day. Work together with students to create a positive solution to their problem. If there has to be a consequence – look for natural consequences, not punishments. If you need to correct them, do so in a way that is about the problem and not about the student. Similar to why we give specific feedback on what a student is doing well versus telling a student, “You are so smart!”
I agree that students should come to class prepared. High expectations, right? I also know there may be students who cannot get those materials because of poverty. I have a few students in that category. I have no problem providing a pencil for them, but they MUST keep up with it or return it to me at the end of the day. If they ask for one more than once in a week and have not returned the previously loaned pencil, it’s on them.
As a custodian { caretaker ] I have collected a few pencils in my time and I hand them back to the tutors for re distribution and next day the cycle repeats itself no harm done and ensures a steady supply to those who may for whatever reason need one, including tutors. Enjoyed the article on shouting and agree he who shouts loudest doesn’t win anything.
Caretaker is such a more accurate word! Thank you, Bob! You are appreciated.
What we say and how we say it to students creates their internal voice, so we must be so careful.
Just found your blog..thanks to Michael Friermood!
The pencil is symbolic of anything really….no hidden messages, just give them an umbrella. What to do about forgotten homework is what I struggle with!
I buy a box of golf pencils at the start of the school year. I keep them on a counter and students can help themselves.
I saw a post one time about keeping two cups of pencils in your classroom labeled Sharpened and unsharpened. Students leave the unsharpened one in that cup – take a shapened one. Pencil sharpening is disruptive! I also have mechanical pencils that students can sign out to use. At the end of class, they erase their name when they return the pencil. Pencils are a small thing, and I have learned not the sweat the small stuff. Pencils fall out of their notebooks as they travel the hallways, etc…give them a pencil if they need it. Thanks!
Give them a pencil ! We spend an inordinate amount of time on frivolous things. Spend that wasted time ( but much needed time ) on instruction.
I went to school in a so called third world country and one might expect that students would not have pencils, but every child was expected to have a pencil and they did. Parents made sure . In fact if a child persistently lost a pencil the parent would tie a string to it and put it around their neck. Having learned to be prepared in elementary school children did not need to be reminded in secondary school. In fact am essential part of every children’s school supply list is a pencil case for pencils, pens, erasers and sharpeners. No big deal! The same thing goes for paper. Here, students break pencils, throw them on the floor and expect a new one. Sure, if a child’s pencil would not sharpen properly or a mechanical pencil has no lead, or q back pack has been left on the bus, you give the child a replacement but not on a regular basis when they refuse to come to class prepared.
I completely agree with this. When I supply pencils to my students, many of them do not value them. They break them, snap out the erasers, and leave them wherever. There has to be some awareness and accountability.
Similarly, from “Orange is the new Black”. “If it feels good, don’t say it.
I have taken this advice and seen a better classroom environment.
I teach 8th grade ELA. I used to teach 4th grade. The pencil issue is no different between grades. They’re not any more responsible four years later. If they need a pencil from me this year, I take something of theirs in exchange, i.e. their phone, a notebook, an ID card. When class is over, we trade back and it’s a win-win. Those they don’t want to surrender a personal item to me for a pencil, has an easier time remembering to bring one.
This has worked with many of my chronic “pencil-less” middle school students for over 25 years of teaching, where it’s usually a control–not money– issue: I have them “hide” one in our classroom. I give them a good pen(cil), and at the end of class they hide it in a safe place of their choosing. They then retrieve it the next day at the beginning of class.
Pencils have been hidden behind books, on top of shelves, behind unassuming posters–even in plain sight behind my wall phone, and in the brim of a decorative hat.
This has worked for many of my middle-schoolers who just want control over some aspect of their lives… maybe 3–5 students yearly on a team of 85. It’s created win-win situations, as opposed to ineffective power-struggles in my classes.
I know this isn’t a cure-all, but because it’s something quirky for my kids, it’s worked. I believe what’s “fair” isn’t always “equal”–especially for kids at an age few adults ever wish to return to. So I feel it’s more effective being flexible, believing there are more important things to teach, and bigger “battles” to eventually fight.
I love this!
Curious, what happens when another student finds a hidden pencil? Are they successful using the honor system, or do some disappear over the course of the year?
I have put a cup in my room labeled “lost pencils” at the end of the day anybody who finds a pencil on the floor, either the custodial staff, students or teacher place them in there. In the morning, all who did not bring one look for one there. I also have a rule of giving pencils only on Mondays to everyone. The rest of the week, if they forgot one, they either use the “lost pencil cup” or they borrow from a friend of the teacher, but they need to return it. A small procedure can help them build on their responsibility.
The other option I’ve heard of using here is rather than giving a pencil to the student, have them borrow a pencil from another student and then give the student that lent out the pencil a good one from the teacher desk. This rewards the prepared student and encourages the responsibility rather than rewarding the unprepared student.
Great comparison of ‘traditional communication’ compared to ‘trauma-informed communication’ – scroll down to page 12
http://www.elc-pa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Trauma-Informed-in-Schools-Classrooms-FINAL-December2014-2.pdf
Wow! Those comparisons are so telling. Trauma informed communication is so necessary. A pencil isn’t worth the well being of my students or classroom environment.