Name Sticks: The Classroom Tool You Didn’t Know You Needed!
Make easy DIY name sticks using popsicle sticks for classroom use! A fun and effective way to randomly call on students or manage classroom tasks.
I’m a big fan of teachers. I kind of have to be because my mom has a master’s degree in teaching! But seriously, I have the utmost respect for teachers and what they do.
It’s one of the most difficult jobs, and one thing I know from my mother is that they spend a lot of their own money in the classroom for decorations and other accoutrements to make their lives easier.
So I’m here with a fun DIY that is inexpensive to make while at the same time helps teachers do their job a little bit easier – pick a student sticks!
What are name sticks, you ask? Well, teachers have enough on their mind without trying to remember who they called on last, or who needs to be assigned a task. These sticks make that job WAY easier!
Ways to Use These Sticks
The idea is that each student gets a stick with their name on it, and you keep all of the sticks in a container. One side of the stick has the student’s name, and the other side has a design. All sticks start with the names up.
When a student’s name is selected, the stick is flipped upside down to indicate they’ve been called on/chosen. You can repeat until all sticks are flipped and then start over! It’s a great way to distribute fairly amongst your students. You can use these for:
- Random selection of students in class for answering questions, passing out papers, etc.
- Distributing chores amongst the students
- Taking turns during games
- Grouping students according to ability level or interest (use color or paper design as your “coding”)
There’s really no limit to the possibilities. AND – I believe I mentioned they are inexpensive to make! I got all my supplies from Michaels. I’ll show you how below.
But before I do that, you need to know that Michaels is a huge support of teachers. Did you know that you can take 15% off your entire order at Michaels with your teacher discount?? Pretty awesome.
If your students are old enough, they might be able to make their own, which could be a fun classroom craft. Either way, first let’s start with what you need.
Gather These Supplies
- Jumbo craft sticks
- Mod Podge Hard Coat
- Scrapbook paper in a variety of patterns – scraps work perfectly for this!
- Acrylic paint in a variety of colors
- Sharpie (regular or oil based works fine)
- Scissors
- Craft knife and mat
- Paintbrushes
One of my favorite part of making these was choosing the papers. I mean, avocados? Hello!?!?!
Get the complete how to below:
Name Sticks
Use these calling sticks as a classroom management tool! They are easy to make and kids love them.
Yield: 30 sticks
Cost: $5
I’d love to know if you make these – let me know in the comments. They are so fun and easy and your students are going to love them! Have a great beginning to the new school year.
Did you enjoy this post? I’d love for you to check out these other posts:
Coloring Book Name Plaque • DIY Clipboard • DIY Magnets • DIY Notebook • Glitter Mug • Make a Keychain • Travel Mug
