I have finally found an easy way to manage my conferring schedule! I am now in my fifth year of teaching reading, writing, and math in a “workshop” format (mini lesson, gradual release to independent work, conferring, group share) and there are a lot of kinks I am still working out. The tip I have to share today is one that has made it so much easier for me to keep track of who is next on my conferring agenda.
When I am conferring, my clipboard is with me everywhere I go. It has all of my notes for each student regarding what they were working on the last time we met, what areas I hope to see improvement, reminders for compliments, etc.
Since it is always with me, I keep my handy dandy clothespin organizational system on my clipboard.
On the right side, I keep all of the names of the students who I have not conferred with in this “round”. As I get to the student, I move their name to the top of my clipboard. Sometimes I will also put a student’s name at the top of the clipboard if I KNOW that I want to meet with them in my next conferring session.
After I have finished all of my conferences in the periodfor the day, I move the names of the students I met with to a little sign at the front of my room near the sharing rug. Occasionally I will pull one of the names of the students I have conferred with already in this round and put their name back on the clipboard because I want to check in on them sooner. But in general, this keeps everything fair and lets the kids know about how much time they have left before meeting with me again. Super easy!
I am curious about how other teachers manage their conferences and conferring schedules. Reach out and let me know if you an awesome system to share!
Great idea, Alyssha! I struggle with this. I feel like I keep seeing the same kids over and over. Will definitely give this a try!
Nicole
Mrs, Rios Teaches Second Grade
I love a good visual!! This is wonderful! Conferring is so hard to set up and keep going! Thanks for the inspiration!!
XO
Laura
Peace, Love, and First Grade
Love this idea, will keep things so organized! 🙂
Karen
I so needed to see this. I have a tough time keeping track and meeting with everyone! Great idea 🙂
Aloha,
Corinna (✿◠‿◠)
Surfin' Through Second
Great way to stay organized! Easy to use and visual!
Lori
Conversations in Literacy
I used clothespins with the kiddos name in my room for behavior management, but have NEVER thought of it for meeting with the kiddos and keeping up with it all. What a great idea…
Stacy
Funky Fresh Firsties
I ADORE the idea of the clothespins!!! I just use a class grid and mark the dates but this is SOOOO much more visual. I LOVE it!!!
Hugs – Lisa
Growing Firsties
So simple to do and such a great idea!
Such a simple and great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Christina 🙂
Apples, Books, and Crayons
applesbooksandcrayons@gmail.com
What a simple idea! Thanks!
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Lindsay
http://www.ifyougiveateacheratreat.blogspot.com