In the interest of following up with Quincy the Quizzical Questioner, I have a question for all of you.
Let me back up.
A long long long longlonglonglonglong time ago, I wrote about my Morning Work and the possible threat of my principal not allowing my team and I to use it. You can read all about that drama {HERE}.
Anywho, I showed off a little page of my Morning Work to see if anyone might be interested.
That was the wrong thing to do.
I mean, we’re teachers.
We’ll download anything.
I had to send out a bunch of emails apologizing that I couldn’t send it out in the format that I had created it in . . . and that I was just garnering interest.
The whole thing was a little embarassing on my part. Like I should have known better.
But now. NOW! I have a license to sell my stuff with DJ Inkers clipart.
That’s HUGE.
And now. NOW! I am in the midst of getting my Morning Work into one file. A pretty file. A file that would be easy to upload and offer to you all. Especially those of you whose hopes I got up. And then dashed. DASHED. As Reagan would say, I was a dream squasher. SQUASH.
This file is HUGE.
It’s 34 weeks. With 5 days in each week.
It’s for the whole year.
It took me forever and a day to create it.
And now it’s my baby. Like I said, you can read about that {HERE}. My baby was mostly part of the drama.
So today I’m moving stuff and combining stuff and fixing stuff, and just being a good ole worker bee when it hit me. Bam.
Wait a second.
Does everyone have what we have in my district?
Because, if not, this might be a problem. I have an easy fix, but if most of you need it, then I should keep it.
SO.
Do your students have lunch numbers?
As in, a six digit student identification number that they have to enter on a keypad in the lunch room before buying their lunch? As if it’s an ATM keypad?
And not only that, it’s the same number that they have to enter for Accelerated Reader and this other new software program that our Principal bought just for first grade that we haven’t been able to use yet because the last time we were in the computer lab, we were supposed to have already memorized our lunch numbers and we hadn’t? Because it was only the 15th day of school or some such thing? And we’re first graders. Hello? Not to mention the new software program required that all students have headphones and we didn’t have that, either.
My blood pressure is rising just thinking about that last time in the computer lab because normally my kids get to play on a typing program or Starfall or a Math Facts program or anything really, and I get to sit down for 30 WHOLE MINUTES and listen to the quietness that is first graders engaged in computer programs . . . and the last time we were there, we were having sign on problems due to the lack of lunch number memorization and headphones. And I did not sit down. And it wasn’t quiet. And I didn’t get to check one blog.
So surely it makes complete sense that for the first month of school, the number one task on my Morning Work program is “Write your lunch number and start memorizing it immediately so that your teacher does not lose any more of her hair or marbles.”
The next month it changes to “Write your last name because you should know it when someone asks you and P.S. your last name is not ‘I don’t know’.”
Throughout the rest of the year it alternates between writing lunch numbers, last names, birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, your teacher’s name, and the date. You know, pertinent information that one should know.
So.
Do your kids have lunch numbers?
Do your kids have lunch numbers?
Do your kids have lunch numbers?
Typing lunch that many times has made me hungry.
So excuse me.
Yup, we've got 'em. 6 digits and all… why can't they just have a debit card to swipe? Make it real world applicable…
Haley
Following Optimism in 2nd Grade
Yes! My kiddos have lunch numbers and those numbers do log them on to AR and every other website our district has!
Luckily my 2nd graders came to me with their numbers memorized 🙂
haha!
I remember doing the lunch number thingy when I was a kid!!
Now, all of our students info is in the computer and the lunch lady has a touch computer screen (like a restaurant's) and the kids say their first and last name and she knows who they are anyway because there's a picture on the computer screen..and just touches their pic, and hits "lunch" and poof- they're done! 🙂
Yes, my kids have lunch numbers! By third grade, if they've been in DE for most of their schooling, they have it memorized. But if they are new to DE or just plain forgetful, they do not have it memorized. Which holds up the breakfast/lunch line AND computer activities in the computer lab. Ugh.
I'm so thankful that I don't have to teach K or 1 kids to memorize their lunch numbers. It is annoying enough to write post its for 3-4 kids for the first few weeks of school!
Meg
Third Grade in the First State
We don't have lunch numbers, but we have three digit library numbers that they are still trying to remember in second grade!!! 🙂
We have lunch numbers but they're only 5 digits. One digit less does not an easier lunch number make, FYI. I am looking forward to your morning work.
We have lunch numbers. I think they are like 7 digits. They told us they were going to have to type them in, but I didn't freak because they already have to do this to log on to a computer.
But, THEN they gave us lunch cards which they scan instead of the kids having to type the numbers in.
These cards are a plague. Someone is always losing their card. I tell them to treat it like a little kitten or a puppy, you wouldn't lose a kitten. Well these kids would.
Sorry for the rant. 🙂
Casey
Second Grade Math Maniac: Pencil Sharpener Giveaway!
Damn Lunch Numbers! I have had firsties crying when they reach the number pad afraid that they won't get lunch. My kids wear their lunch numbers to lunch, even those who bring lunch, just in case someone tests them or something. Last week was the first week I tried to send them without their tags, I tested them in line as we walked, SUCCESS! Thank goodness, the tags have had it.
I can't wait for your morning work, which makes me think about my baby on my blog, you know my focus walls… Do you think I should cut off the freebie (it has been a month and a half), buy the DJ license and make some $$$? Help me, please!!! I hate making this decision by myself.
faithfulinfirst.blogspot.com
We don't have lunch numbers but I still think your morning work is awesome. One who does not have lunch numbers could have kiddos write something else. I think it looks awesome!
~ Mizz J
Apple Blossoms
No, my class does not have lunch numbers. I teach in northern British Columbia, near the Alaskan panhandle. My students bring their lunch to school each day. Once or twice a month, we have "hot lunch day" where the students preorder their lunch. Our PAC organizes this and the grade seven students deliver the food and drinks to the classrooms and pass it out. This causes lots of excitement amongst the grade ones. "Today is hot lunch day!"
Linda
I teach in so cal and yes we have 6 digit lunch numbers and ar login too. It's a PAIN!
So excited for your morning work when it's done! It looks AMAZING and I'm usually scrambling to come up with something for the kids to do right when they come in the door.
We also have lunch numbers, but ours are only 4 digits. For the first few weeks of school I write each kid's number on the back of their name tags (around their necks) just in case they forget. We also practice typing it in on paper-pretend number pads 🙂
-Kaia
First Grade Padawans
Yes, they have lunch numbers and I hate them!! Why do they have to be so L-O-N-G!!!!???!!
No lunch numbers here- they have a card to swipe. Much easier!
We have the lunch cards that are like ATM cards. I think the lunch lady swipes it for them because holding the tray and the card is not easy for those guys! They do have a 6 digit code they use for AR once we get that started, which is not usually until the second semester or at all, if I'm tired. 🙂
JennyB
One Berry Blog
We have lunch numbers and they are a big ol pain in the arse. They are long and impossible for my kiddos to memorize. Thankfully, our noonaides who are at the computers have a master list and have devised a little incentive…learn your number, earn a sticker, know it so many times in a row and you get a special prize. BUT -I would love to expidite that learning process…
Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade
We do not have lunch numbers but we do have library numbers….
No lunch numbers. And our kids have to use the username "elementary"in the computer lab. Which no kindergartner ever learned how to spell. And also there is a six digit password for them to enter along with the 10 letter word "elementary". So I have no hair or marbles left either!
Yes, we have lunch numbers and this sounds awesome!
Tamara
Life's A Beach in First Grade
Yes we do! It's 4 digits and used for EVERYTHING. You know what's crazy. I looped with my class and they still can't remember. It's like they lost it over the summer. WHAT? Crazy I tell you.
Nope… no numbers. Cards. And a grumpy lunch lady. Who wants them standing in alphabetical order, with the cards that have a bar code… so it doesn't matter what order they are in… ugh.
Your morning work 'baby' sounds very much like my morning work 'baby' which I've been working on "fixing" forever due to clipart issues!
Nopers no lunch numbers….we don't even have lunch!
Your morning work packets sounds incredible and yes, we have lunch numbers at our school and no, they don't have them memorized yet but our principal said if they can log into their iPads and their parents' iPhones then they can surely remember a 6-digit number . . . Anywhooooo, I've said it before and I'm saying it again . . . you have SUCH amazing voice!!! You have managed to give me a good-night chuckle…..again!
Smiles,
Barbara
The Corner On Character
I teach in CA too. But no lunch numbers. We just have to make sure the kids are standing in alphabetical order.
Can't wait for your morning work! 🙂
No lunch numbers for us!!! We are OLD SCHOOL. We have paper lunch tickets that require a punch. 🙂 If you walked into my school, you would wonder what decade you were in… and you certainly would not think the 2010's (is that the decade we're in??).
Marvelous Multiagers!
We have to stand in ABC order…then the lovely lunch ladies scan each kids bar code after they tell them their first and last name. It usually goes pretty quickly. I know I've said it before but I love reading your blog!
Alyse
Keep Calm and Apple On
We have lunch numbers that range from 3-6 digits depending on the kid…these numbers stay the same from year to year. They all have a completely different 6 digit number for logging to anything on the computer.
Laurie
Chickadee Jubilee
No, my kiddos do not have lunch numbers. They actually just place their fingerprint on a scanner and all of their information comes up. Scary, huh? 🙂
Sugar and Spice
No lunch numbers. Our kiddos have credit cards. Don't panic, they are not really credit cards, but that it what I call them. Parents load the cards with money, the kiddos pick up their cards as they enter the cafeteria they swipte their cards. So no lunch numbers.
BUT they have numbers for AR and Google and so on and so forth. The numbers are not all the same so our kiddos have to memorize several different numbers. I write all the different numbers on a card for my students to look at whenever they need to. I am awful at memorizing numbers so want to make it as easy for my students as possible.
Camille
I teach in Queensland Australia and there is no such thing as a lunch number. Our kids bring their lunch each day or they can order tuckshop on a brown paper bag Wed to Fri (this is not common though). Just want to let you know that your blog cheers me every time I read it. THANKYOU so much for the joy you bring to others. If you ever come to Aus, come and visit!
Our kids have lunch cards they get as they enter the cafeteria. These are dropped in a basket to be swiped later by the cafeteria worker. I think it's crazy they have to memorize a number like that! Is this the same number they have their whole school career (at least while in your district)?
We do have user names & passwords for learning.com & AR (except it's changing this year & we haven't been able to use it-so it may require a number now).
Your morning work sounds fabulous! I'm definitely interested.
Ours also have lunch numbers, and not only that, but for AR this year, the username is the 6 or 7 digit number and the password is the DOB..as in xx/xx/xxxx. It's killing me. But they are learning. I would love to buy a copy of your morning work. It would save me some time because I am forever trying to figure out what I want to do each morning. And I despise DOL.
Hi Kristin! Yes, we have lunch numbers with cards that the kids theoretically are supposed to scan – but they have to memorize their number, just in case. THEN, they have a DIFFERENT AR user name and password, that is different from their lunch number – and they're first graders, so no one remembers any of it – and I go quietly insane. 🙂 I'd still love a copy of your morning work, though. Lisa
So that was embarrassing, I posted on your last post asking for your morning work before I came back to finish reading this post lol! So disregard my other post if you will. 🙂 The school I am at also does the same with the long number for everything so it will work for us fine! Will you be posting it on your blog when you have it ready? I'd love to have it but wasn't sure if you'd be emailing it to every person or uploading it to you TpT store? Just wondering…I love reading your blog post by the way! You make them so interesting and I can actually feel/picture the expressions coming from your words lol! If that makes any sense at all?? My email is kaylachumley@yahoo.com just in case 🙂
We do! The county started this system when I was a senior so my number started with 1 we are now on the 39s so that tells you how long ago that was…
This student number follows through to high school and is used for all testing, lunch, AR, bathroom (kidding).
Why don't we just tattoo our kids with barcodes? (Kidding…kind of).
Emily @ Second Grade Silliness
Yes.
Yes.
And yes.
I'm liking Emily's tattoo idea. But I think we should get to pick the tattoo. For each kid.
Abby @ Third Grade Bookworm
Yes, we have lunch numbers!
And that is one of the reasons I am grateful for recess duty instead 🙂
We have lunch numbers!!! I LOVE the idea of them practicing their numbers daily!
Yes we have lunch numbers but not everyone uses unless they buy lunch. So some kids never buy lunch since they pack every day. We don't need to use our lunch numbers to log onto the computers. Your morning work looks great. We do a morning journal.
That is so exciting! I can't wait to see all your morning work! Happy Monday!
No lunch numbers here!
❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher
Yup! We use six-digit numbers for just about everything (and call them "lunch" numbers even though they're used for way more than that)!
No we do not have lunch numbers. We don't even have a lunch room. My kids eat lunch, with me in the classroom. We only get one hot lunch per week (on Thursday) and it is prepared in the school kitchen by PARENTS. Believe it or not I am in a public school. (a tiny public school)
We do not have lunch numbers….yay! Our secretaries stand at the end of the line and highlight the name of each student as they go through. We used to have lunch cards that had a number on it, but they got lost, mixed up, chewed up. I think our secretaries volunteered. It's actually quicker. I'm not sure about AR. I think we use first initial, last name, and sometimes one number…not their 6 digit number, which I am pretty sure they have.
I got tired of broken head phones and went to the dollar store, bought everyone a head phone ($25.00 for my class of 25), put them in a baggie with log in name and password (even though I gave everyone the same password) on a 3×5 card. I told my students if they broke the headphones they had to buy their own. Never happened. The headphones lasted all year, some even two and three years before I replaced them. We take our own headphones down to the lab and back again to my room…I don't share.
Terri Izatt
KinderKapers
P.S. How can you teach them to write their last name? It's not in the standards is it? 😉
Terri Izatt
KinderKapers
We don't have lunch numbers. I am so glad.
lraines78@gmail.com
Yes we have lunch numbers, which are the same as their student ID numbers, which follow them their entire life in our district. And darnit I'm really looking forward to seeing your "baby" but once again it's going to make me want you (and Reagan) move to SECOND GRADE! 😀 Just sayin.
Kristy
kristyteach@gmail.com
We do have lunch numbers. I send them home before school starts, I send them home on the first day of school, I send them home again the first week, yet still they don't seem to learn them…and stand at the little calculator attached to the cash register and press the wrong numbers. I give them school dollars if they know them. I even have one, but on the first day of school, I couldn't remember what it was. sigh.
Oooh – I like the idea of the headphones from Kinderkapers. I buy my headphones from the dollar tree because my kids like to snack on the wires of the expensive ones. Good idea to give them each their own!
Kristin,
You are too funny! My first graders have a 4 digit lunch number. They only use it for lunch. Today was the 12th day of school and all 15 (yes, 15) of my kids knew their number! The lunch lady was thrilled! Hold on to your hat-we have an actual computer teach so I get 30 mins w/o kidlets. However, I do eat with my kids everyday. I don't know which would be worse!
No lunch numbers, just cards to scan! 🙂
However, I feel your pain with accidental publishing of clipart– I got a scary legal letter about sharing my clip art via .pdf, took me a week to let them know EVERY image I used (seriously thinking by paying almost $300 and reading the fine print while not a lawyer, that I was following rules… nope I wasn't!) All is well now except they only allow print repro not digital..augh… but I digress.
one thing we say a lot at our "fidelity" school is,"we've exhausted the core" in order to use things that WORK. NO program is the be-all end-all!!! I can't wait to grab your daily stuff! 🙂
Patty So
sosimplefirstgrade.com
Yep, my kids have lunch numbers. I love the idea of incorporating them into morning work because I always forget to help my kids memorize them. Great idea!
We have lunch numbers, but some kids have ones that are 5 digits (2nd grade and up) and some have 6 digits (some first graders and all of kinders). I guess we have too many students for 5 digits now. They use them for lunch, library check out, and computers. It is also how their parents access their grades online.
Dream squashers unite!! and thank the good Lord we no longer have to memorize lunch numbers.
We have lunch numbers. My kids' numbers are only 2 or 3 digits long though. ((Smile)) I feel better now. I was complaining about my kids having to learn their numbers but holy cow-five or six numbers! I am blessed!
Nessa
Yep, we have 6 digit lunch numbers (which are also AR numbers, and library numbers, and PM numbers…). Glad to hear we're not the only ones!
Teachin' First
You crack me up….Now yes we have lunch numbers, but ours are scanned too. As for Computer Lab…..I am the computer lab person, teachers drop their loves off for their prep period. Some years back our old tech guy got this BRILLIANT idea of making individual logins for 1st-3rd. NIGHTMARE….it was their graduation year their first 3 letters of …..so you see it was a nightmare…then new tech guy comes in and asked if I would like a universal login that would only be used in my lab….woohoo….I never log off the computers…evil I know but 100 kids a week…FORGET ABOUT IT….but some helpful ideas are make cards put on a ring so they have them to use …or you could make labels and slap them on some index cards…..We keep our passwords for everything else simple (AR,STAR, Lexia) ….Hope this helps it will get easier I swear….