Have you ever wondered how to use a number system to keep your classroom organized and running smoothly? This classroom management idea is ideal for lining up students, walking in line, keeping assignments in order, recording grades in a grade book, and so much more. Read on to find out how to use the number system and how to teach the students how to use it.
Why Use a Number System?
Lining up Students
I always have my students line up in 123 order (that’s what we call it) so there’s never a fight over students cutting in line. They know exactly where they should be. In order to make it fair, I switch up what number will be at the front of the line and sometimes we use “Reverse 123 Order” so the students at the end of the line have a chance to be at the front. It works out well.
At one point, it was a school-wide mandate that we line students up in alphabetical order (same as 123 order) and I was not happy about it. But once I figured out how many problems it cut back on, I started thinking of more ways and reasons to use the number system and I’ve never gone back.
Keep Assignments in Order
At the beginning of the year, I teach the students to write their number after their name and put a circle around it. We spend a lot of time learning this and it becomes a habit for them. They will write it every time, even on things that don’t need it, like a card for grandma. 🙂 The best part about this is that it makes it so easy to put the papers in order and see who is missing their work. It also makes it super easy to record in the grade book because papers are already in alphabetical order. Win-win!
Labeling Classroom Items
Another way I use the number system is to label things around the classroom that don’t necessarily belong to a student, but they will use it for the year. For example, my cubbies are labeled by number. In the past, every year I had to peel off the old name labels and make new ones. Now, I keep them the same. They are numbered from 1-30 so students can always find their cubby. I also use this to label their supplies. You can get your school boxes ready long before you know your students’ names by using the number system. One less thing to do once I know my students’ names.
Popsicle Sticks
I use popsicle sticks to call on students randomly throughout the day. This is a good way to ensure all students get called on. Again, instead of writing their names on the stick, I can write their numbers and reuse them from year to year. I also love that if there’s a visitor in the classroom, they don’t necessarily know the student I’m calling on unless I say their name directly.
How to Teach the Number System and Practical Ways to Use it Within the Classroom
Teaching the Number System
Assigning Numbers
Before the first day of school, I take my class list and just write the numbers down the left hand side of the paper. Our attendance program puts their names in order by last name, so I use last names to assign numbers. Some teachers like to use their first names, which is fine, but you’d have to figure that order out on your own. Using their last names allows you to keep everything for your class in alphabetical order without having to think about it. There’s no right or wrong way here. All the systems described below will work whether you assign numbers by first or last name.
Assignments
If you’ve read my other blog posts, you know I’m a full supporter of spending lots of time teaching routines and procedures the first few days of school. One of these super important routines is 123 Order. The very first time they write their name on any paper in the classroom, I teach them to look at the number on their school box and how to write it next to their name with a circle around it. The reason I use the circle is so it’s easy to find, especially if they have messy handwriting.
I also teach them a song that we sing every time they write their name at the beginning of the year. I mentioned this in another post about teaching routines and procedures, but here it is again. It’s sung to If You’re Happy and You Know It. The part in parentheses is like an echo.
Name on Paper Song
The first thing on the paper is my name (and number),
The first thing on the paper is my name (and number),
My teacher needs to know who did this work and so,
The first thing on my paper is my name (and number).
Lining Up
We always line up in 123 order. As I mentioned before, since they know what order they have to be in, it cuts down on the fighting and cutting. If someone isn’t in their spot, the students will remind them where they need to stand. We line up in 123 order every time we line up in class, after recess, and after lunch.
On the first day of school, we spend a lot of time learning where our proper place is in line. I show them exactly where their feet should be. I like to use carpet markers for lining up students. That helps them learn exactly where to go. We also talk about looking at the person in front of them and behind them so they know who to look for when they line up outside after recess. It will take a few days for them to remember to line up in the proper order, but once they get it figured out, it will be smooth from there.
There are lots of ways to switch it up so the first person is always the same. I recommend waiting at least a month into school so they are all really familiar with their numbers before switching it up. One way to switch it up is to change the line leader each day, number on1 on Monday, number 2 on Tuesday, etc. Another way is to line up in reverse order. I usually will switch it up by month so it’s consistent for the month. August would be normal order (and probably September too), and then in October use reverse, and back to regular in November.
Turning in assignments
One of my favorite things about the number system is using it for turning in assignments. Now, we ALWAYS use reverse 123 order when we turn in papers. Let me explain why. My students line up from number 25 down to the number 1.
Once everyone is in line, I say go. Number 25 puts his paper in the basket, then number 24 , 23, and so on. I teach them how to put it in the basket and then keep walking to go to their seats. When everyone has turned in their papers, they are already in alphabetical order for me. If a student finishes the assignment late, I have them find their spot in the stack and put their paper in the correct order.
This has been a GAME CHANGER! At first, I thought I was wasting valuable class time on turning in papers. But once the students get the hang of it, it only takes them a moment and it saves you the hassle of going through the whole stack to see who you’re missing. I used to waste lots of time trying to figure out if I had everyone’s papers before moving on. Now, It’s easy to tell.
Please comment below if you have any fun ideas about using 123 order in your classroom. Feel free to comment if you have any questions.
You can download the free “What’s My Number” pdf here. Just type in your students’ names, print, and hang in different areas of the classroom, such as near their cubbies. Students will learn their number super quickly, but this helps if you have parent volunteers or a substitute teacher.
Are you looking for ideas for Streamlining jobs for students in the classroom? Visit my friend at the Shared Teaching Collaborative.
