Hey peeps! I went Back to School shopping today. With my teaching partner/best friend and her daughter who is also a teacher. Her daughter used to teach at the Mall School which I talked about {HERE}, but now she is an Intervention Teacher at another school in our district.
Anywho, it was a big day with our local teacher store, Ruby’s for lunch, Nordstroms for . . . well, not for school, but Toms for my friend, some makeup for me, and a T-shirt exchange that I did for my hubs. I almost NEVER shop at Nordstroms but the hubs loves it (Yes, I think the roles are reversed here). Well . . . one of his super expensive t-shirts that is probably-not-necessary-when-an-Old Navy-t-shirt-would-do got some unfortunate discoloration on it. And even though I do the laundry in a washing machine that is 16 years old, it wasn’t my fault. It wasn’t. But if this leads to a Jersey Shore GTL and I end up dropping our laundry off for someone ELSE to do, I am going to do the exact same thing with this new t-shirt. Not that I know how it happened.
Then we went to Walmart and I got folders for 15 cents. And that’s all. And then we went back to my friend’s house, and we separated the goodies, and realized we’d left one bag of red folders at Walmart. This is because they don’t put the bags in the cart for you. They just leave them on the turnstile thingamajig.
Can I just say that I am not a fan of the turnstile thingamajig?
And that surely they need a better system if the guy who helps you when you return in the 101 degree heat to ask if 33 red folders were left behind says that this happens THREE TO FOUR TIMES A DAY?
I never knew red folders were such a popular item.
In the meantime, I am obssessed with a pin that I saw. About pencils.
I saw that too. And simultaneously geeked out and reached for a shammy to clean it because get. out. of. here. fingerprints.
I found a few clear ones on Amazon, and I'm tempted. Really, really tempted. But I think before I spend the money and go that route, I'm going to try the dull/sharp system (first year teacher, here).
But $10 says I cave and buy that dispenser and cute-ify (it's a word!) it by mid-October.
Sarah
There's No Place Like Second Grade
I have to say I have absolutely no pencil issues whatsoever. When I moved to second grade (after sixth!) I was wondering why every single child took his/her pencil box home every. single. night. Turns out the first grade teachers MADE them so they could sharpen pencils at home.
So when I see huge posts devoted to pencils I just thank the first grade teachers at my school for keeping me sane. Because you see, I'm organized and I hate clutter and I micromanage everything and I am very rigid and controlling, too. 🙂
(Wouldn't you know, I just read a post about someone who covered her straw dispenser with cute paper. Can I find it now to direct you there? No. Guess I am not as organized as I thought I was. Hopefully someone else can.)
The pencil/straw dispenser is a cute idea! I don't do community property with my class though. I was one of those picky kids that wanted to use my own school supplies and not put them into a group sharing a pencil that had been in someone's mouth, grubby hands…selfish, I know! I haven't had an issue with pencil sharpening though. Each morning I call up one table at a time to choose lunch (each child moves his/her magnetic stick under his/her choice on a whiteboard) and bring pencils to be sharpened at the electronic pencil sharpener by me. It's a quick procedure and gives me a moment to chat with each child. If throughout the day a child has both pencils break, he/she just borrows from a neighbor til the next morning.
Michelle
I feel the exact same way! I really want that pencil dispenser thing to work but I just don't know about it!! I have been using the same dull pencil sharp pencil thing forever and I find that they don't mix them up but they take FOREVER to choose a pencil and sometimes (gasp) there aren't enough sharp pencils! Soo I feel the pencil dilemma and would love to know what would work so I can have butterflies and be Mary Poppins in my room too! Looking out for comments!
I don't really like the sharp/not sharp box idea because as you say it never works like it should. And who said that I had to be the giver of the endless supply of pencils???? I give my students a pencil at random times during the year….on/off track and some holidays. Other than that they have to supply their own pencils or buy one for 25 cents in the library. If they loose one or don't have one they have to borrow from a friend or what-not. I have done this for 3-4 years and have never had a problem.
Wow, now that's reeeeeeeeeeeal tempting to try. YOU give it a go, and let us know how it works…k?
Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade
I hate pencils too but I am afraid that the second option would be the most likely. Last year, my class was my worst pencil class ever. I think they would eat the pencils. I'm not sure where they went. Even after I gave them a new pencil, 3-4 kids wouldn't have one. Ugh, I wish they could write with pens but that would be another headache.
Swimming into Second
I hate pencils too!!!!!! (It sounds like we all do!!!) I got to a point last year where I just stopped sharpening them. When a kid needed a pencil, I would tell them to "go find one on the floor" (and there ALWAYS was one there!) or to "ask a friend to borrow one" and that worked for me for the last month of school. I like your idea, though! Please let us know if you find a good/cute dispenser!!! 🙂
I love the straw/pencil dispenser!! Genious!!
However, I have something much MORE important to tell you about. I stumbled upon a new reality show tonight – Beverly Hill Nannies. Have you heard of this one? I am sitting here watching it thinking Kristin could so get a plethora of blog material from this show!!! It is on the ABC family channel (I am not sure I see this as a 'family' show) It is superficial, shallow, ridiculous. So NOT my world, but everything I love to watch on TV!!! Here is a snipit for ya….. a potential nanny is interviewing for a job and asks the employer how she met her fiancee. She replies, "Well actually he was the best man at my first wedding." I almost fell off the couch!
Pencil, oh pencil where have you gone??!!!??? I believe my firsties like others ATE their pencils. I have always had the sharp/need to be sharpened like most. However, this year I started putting the ones that were sharpened with the sharp side up.(I had an organizer thing that was supposed to lay flat, but I turned on its back so it stood upright) That helped a little. What about erasers?!?!?
I'd love if you'd check out my new little blog.
http://curiousfirsties.blogspot.com
I have seen this pin over and over and want to get one every time. I hate pencils too! Tomorrow I just might cave and make a trip to the local restaurant supply store… Then make it cute.
I know just what you mean about that turnstile thingamajig at Walmart. That's one of the reasons I'm not a big fan of Walmart in general.
I am so rigid and controlling I walk around with the electric pencil sharpener while they're writing and sharpen the dull pencils for them. The kids are in charge of their own pencils, but I always have a stash for the ones who never seem to have a pencil longer than my pinkie.
Good luck with washing of the hubby's new t-shirt. 😉
Learning in the Little Apple
Did you see my pencil dispenser from Monday Made it??? I thought the same thing about the metal one, I got the acrylic – it seems pretty durable, I think it will be a novelty so I'm a little worried that it will overused! I think I will have to monitor it for awhile but then the kids will get into a routine with it – I HOPE! Anyway you can check it out if you want!
http://theresourseroom.blogspot.com/2012/07/monday-made-it-im-super-excited.html
Amy
The Resource(ful) Room
I'm a new follower!! Just found your blog YAY!!!! I hope you'll check out my blog sometime:)
Tammy
1…2…3…Teach With Me
I haven't had any luck with pencils either. This year I made a 3 drawer pencil organizer that I pinned on pinterest. One drawer holds sharpened pencils, one drawer is the "pencil hospital" for broken pencils, and the last drawer holds erasers. I'm hoping this is more successful!
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
I've seen this! I also saw someone who got the acrylic pencil sharpener and prettied it up. I keep looking on Amazon, thinking of buying it then holding off. I love the idea that they just get what they get though!
Linda
Down The Learning Road
I collect all of my students pencils at the beginning of the year. I forget how many packages they have to bring in. But anyway, I collect all of them. I put two out for each student in my sharp jar. They grab them and are responsible for those two during the day. If they break, they have to borrow from another student. At the end of the day my pencil collector collects all the pencils and puts them in the dull jar. I sharpen them every night. Not a perfect plan, but it works.
Courtney
3rd Grade Sprinkles
I have to admit that I still use the sharp/ dull cups and it generally works for me. Each student is allowed to have two pencils in their pencil box. My policy is if they need a new pencil they have to donate one to get one. No freebies. It works! I sharpen all of the dull pencils after school (or have a past student whom loves to help after school do it for me. Free slave labor!). Broken pencil? No problem. Put it in the dull cup, take one from the sharp cup. Nothing to donate. Tough cookies! LOL
Arrrgggh, the great pencil debate….only a techer can appreciate the dilemma. Pencils make me crazy…you made me laugh out loud and I needed that tonight ! I am trying to be super mom (with butterflies and puppies dancing around me) finishing my daughter's dance scrapbook, this was her final year. So I made a special trip today to Michael's Crafts to get matching sparkling borders. When I packed the car, I carefully placed her newest picture, framed, to take with me. Well, I drove off with it on the hood of my car and it flew off on the hiway. I thought it was my hubcap and I even stopped to check my tires ( not realizing I had left the pic on the hood, I saw only a flash of silver). Just realized tonight what I had done when I could not find the frame. It was the most beautiful pic of her ever at dance. I am so mad at myself….your post is the only thing that cheered me up tonight……kind of like you leaving your files behind at Walmart. Thanks !!
Sorry for the long comment, had to vent….
I would love to know if this straw holder works for you. Will you promise to blog about it if you decide to buy one?
I am a pencil snob… I love Ticonderoga pencils the best! My 18 year old son also loves them- no 1 cent pencils for us. Ticonderoga stays sharp longer, keeps a tip, and does not break in half .
Ok first off I love this idea for pencils! I think the dispenser woud work, I suggest keeping sharp ones in it, since it has a cover the kids should not get confused because they can't just drop the pencils in when they are broke! I wouldn't spend extra money on a clear one – just get one that is a good price, you can always cover it with colored duct tape, fun contact paper/shelf liner paper or my new favorite idea – get some cute papers and modgepog and decorate it however you want! Keep us posted on what you decide to do!
Ok first off I love this idea for pencils! I think the dispenser woud work, I suggest keeping sharp ones in it, since it has a cover the kids should not get confused because they can't just drop the pencils in when they are broke! I wouldn't spend extra money on a clear one – just get one that is a good price, you can always cover it with colored duct tape, fun contact paper/shelf liner paper or my new favorite idea – get some cute papers and modgepog and decorate it however you want! Keep us posted on what you decide to do!
Saw this pin too and were totally intrigued. It looks very cool. We kinda thought if the pencils are the same size as straws, it should work. Right? You guys should've emptied the straws and tried the pencils at Ruby's! Haha…kinda kidding…They have the pull up straw dispensers, we think. 🙂
Christy & Tammy
I just came across this pencil dispenser thats clear on Oriental Trading the other day! Even though its almost $30 it does come with a lot of pencils, so I figure that helps! I think maybe if you have a can or something for the dull ones, it should deter most students from putting them in the dispenser, but you never know 🙂 here's the link!
http://www.orientaltrading.com/pencil-dispenser-everyday-prints-a2-12_4462-12-1.fltr?Ntt=pencil+dispenser
I hope you went for the wine and worried about the pencils tomorrow!
I have the same system as you've had. It worked great most of the year. Then spring break happened and everyone forgot everything and broken pencils were put in the sharpened pencils and the pencil-sharpener forgot how to sharpen! Disaster!
I LOVE that dispenser. I'm going to check thrift stores!
Better Than a Milk Mustache
I've been wondering about that straw dispenser, too.
Try it out and let us know!
Your. Posts. Make. Me. Happy.
Succinct, but true.
: )
Kim
Finding JOY in 6th Grade
PS I saw your comment on Amy's blog. I can tell already that this is not the end of the pencil conversation.
someone else said they wanted that too!!! But I can't remember who now….
I tell ya – I think I have a problem with pencils every year….but upon emptying out my classroom this year, I have found that I am, in fact, a pencil hoarder! lol…I think I have THOUSANDS of pencils – lol…I do the community thing and then like every interim and report card, I'll bring out more pencils….
now glue sticks?!?!
THAT'S a WHOLE different ball game – it's like they EAT them for breakfast, snack, AND lunch!! I can NOT keep them in the class!
I pinned this as well! I definitely think it would work and it would save time. I don't know about your kiddos, but mine just have to dig through the sharpened container for certain pencils (usually ones with no erasers so they can bug me again).
And yes, it looks dirty in the picture…yuck!
Bonnie
Living A Wonderful Life
My students each bring in 48-50 pencils at the beginning of the year (school supply list). They get to keep 2 and I take the rest. If they brought yellow pencils, they go in one big bag. If they brought butterfly, Tinkerbell, Monster Truck, etc they go in a ziploc with their name on it. Every Monday (except the first one when they get 2) I pass out 1 pencil and 1 pencil top eraser. They may sharpen before announcements start or right before/after recess. If their pencil breaks at another time, they have to use their handheld sharpener at the trash can. This works for me because the kids are responsible for their pencils. They know not to ask, they get new ones on Monday. I also hand out special holiday ones and what-not, but they are a treat. After years of sharp/not sharp buckets, this works for me because it forces them to keep up with the pencils and not me. If they don't have a pencil and can't find someone to loan them one, they have to write in crayon which 3rd graders hate!
A co-worker Velcroed solo cups to each students desk for pencils. I modified it by giving each student two pencils and a big pink eraser. Only those three things were allowed in the cup. Every other day I would go around and sharpen only the students that had two pencils. It worked great! No pencils in desk. No sharp/dull cups. They really learned how to NOT break pencil tips.
I like Stephanie's idea above!
Hey, I also found this pencil dispenser on Pinterest, and it's prettier. Check out this link:
http://pinterest.com/pin/187603140698376136/
Heidi Butkus
I have done individual student boxes for the past few years, but it's a PAIN! When I tell students to get their boxes, there's a stampede to the cubbies. Someone always ends up dumping their box…usually it's the kid that never cleans out their box, so there is crayon paper, bits of trash, etc. Also, they STEAL from each other's boxes.
So…this year, I am going back to table tubs. There will be one pencil for each child in the tub.
What if you designated a "Pencil Cop" or "Pencil Doctor" that checks those tubs at the end of every day and replaces broken pencils or pencils that need to be sharpened. You could have a few coffee cans with cute labels for sharpened "ready to go" pencils and one for broken pencils…and maybe another for pencils that need to be sharpened. I always have a student that notices EVERYTHING in the class that would make a great pencil cop.
Susan at Kindergarten is the Best
I have been OBSESSED over this idea! I think that I want a clear one…but they are pretty expensive. I love to go to antique stores, and maybe I can find one there.
If you get one, I can't wait to see if it works!
-Megan
First Grade Magic
At the risk of sounding like total loon, I had to share…..I drove back to the spot on the hi way early this morning and found my picture, intact, not a scratch !!!! A miracle :). On the continuing theme, my kids also eat erasers and Kleenex, by the box…..
I HATE the walmart thingy. real bad
I also love that dispenser, but where in teh word do you even get those! Anywho, I have gone several routes from taking up all pencils and having an after school kid sharpen and pass out for the next day, to just not caring.
I bought one the worlds greatest pencil sharpeners and now we all sharpen in the morning and after lunch before math. Otherwise I kindly look the other way because I too like mine super sharp. But it's not a huge deal!
Rachel
I use the jumbo try-rex pencils for my first-graders. They're those thick red ones. I love them cuz the kids can't break them and the stay sharp for weeks AND my kids only go through about 2 pencils a year. Seriously the best investment i make each year!
Wow!! this whole post and the comments crack me up. I thought I was the only one with Walmart turn-a-mag-jic issues and school PENCILS! I think my school district out here in California went to cheaper pencils that don't last squat. This year seemed to be the worst. I use the big blue pencils our school district supplies, but they didn't even last a month let alone 2 weeks. So I'm with many of you on what do I do. I do have one contact covered box for pencils (sharpend and then it becomes not sharpened or lost and found pencils). Once or twice a week my class leaders get the box and sharpen the pencils inside it. I also let my class sharpen up to 3 pencils at a time at our electric pencil sharpener. They are usually allowed in the morning and it occurs when I see several kids with pencil issues. I let them know, by announcing, "all girls may sharpen their pencils"(same for boys)and they get in line by the sharpener. By them sharpening their own pencils,I'm pretty sure I have gotten less sick because I'm not touching their germy pencils. I do give my students big fat blue pencils throughout the year but with budget issues, I'm not always sure our school will have them available (so sad). So eventually during the year I switch over to the yellow ones. I find a lot of my first graders end up bring their own pencils and that's O.K. All of you out there are not alone on the pencil issue. My first grade group complained about pencils all this past year.
On the eraser front. I give everyone a big pink eraser a couple of times a year. Do they lose them? Of course, darn it! but I've tried a couple of things that sort of work.
1. I write their initials on the eraser with permanent marker.
2. I also have a lost and found eraser box (located by my pencil box), cuz you know the darn things fall on the floor.
3. I cut the big pink erasers in 1/2 so I have twice as many.
Well the problem of pencils is not solved yet,but I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one with this crazy issue. Now I'm off to find those jumbo try-rex pencils.
I don't know if it will work, but you just crack me up!! Keep up the good work!
I cannot believe I have never seen a PENCIL dispenser. That is such a great idea! Though I think I would be worried about scenario #2, and would be devastated when it broke (probably on the second day of school!)
Love to Learn
Hehe…I had so much fun reading this post and all the comments. This is obviously a teacher issue that people with other jobs would be very unlikely to understand. However, as a parent of an ADHD child with VERY specific issues regarding pencils, I know that this impacts students also. (Thank goodness for mechanical pencils.) 🙂
I use the sharp/dull cups, but also find that the kiddos take a long time deciding on a pencil. I saw the very cute decorated one on pinterest, but don't think I want to spend the time or money to do that. Plus, I'd be very sad when it got messed up.
I'm thinking I'd like to try the dispenser, but am not sure it it would dispense the thicker Ticonderoga pencils that we use. I do like the idea of the kiddos just taking the one that dispenses and being done with the process. 🙂
I used tiny golf pencils this year and they seem to stay sharp longer and don't break as easily. They are good for tiny hands, too. My pencil helper collects in the afternoon and I sharpen them for the next day. They trade if it gets dull during the day.
Hi Kristin, just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog and your sense of humor! Because of the laughs I get from reading your "stories", you are the first person I thought of when my husband calls me over to the computer to watch "Burning Love" A SPOOF ON THE BACHELOR SERIES!! You have got to watch an episode!! Starting with #1, of course! You could very well be the writer of these episodes…hilarious! From one Bachelor(ette) watcher to another…please check it out! http://screen.yahoo.com/burning-love/ Thanks, Kristin, for the laughs! Kelly Turk
Hi! Try using the Handwriting Without Tears pencils. I've used them for 2 yrs now and I love them. They are short and stay sharpened. The lead does not fall out! I let my kiddos keep them in their crayon box along with a hand held pencil sharpener. They rarely make a mess. I use a sharpie to write their name on the pencil. The rule is: lose your pencil-lose your play time…trust me they will look for that pencil. The only drawback is that the erasers do not last long. Some of the kids only use 2 pencils the entire year. The pencils look like golf pencils and you can order the from the HWT website. The price isn't too bad at all. HWT also has flip crayons that are neat to use at the beginning of the year. Good Luck!
I saw that same pin. I thought it looked pretty neat, but I also wondered if it really worked??? So back to the mall school… I grew up in that town:( sad to say I heard they just filed bankrupcy:( Havent been there in many years and I can't believe they have a school in the mall. My first teaching job was at a school down the street from that mall. Im now in the OC teaching and its a little different.
Teri
And I worked with a very OCD teacher who gave each student only 2 pencils and she wrote their names on them! She wanted TOTAL control…I however just need a little (ok maybe more than a little) control:)
For reals!??! How do you come up with this stuff!!! I'm pretty sure you're going to be big some day…no more teeny tiny for you!!!
I have a dull bin and a sharp bin. I also have included a "pencil sharpener" job on my job board. The first Monday of the school year I show the student that holds the job for the week how to work the sharpener appropriately (because I have gone through one too many expensive sharpeners). That student is responsible for teaching the person with their job how to work it next.
I pass out one pencil per student at the beginning of each day. Then the pencil sharpener collects each pencil at the end of the day, sharpens them and passes them out to the student caddies. I have never had any problems with this. As students need more pencils, I add them to the dull or sharpened bin.
This system works well for me!
I have a great system. I am very OCD. I am planning on doing a post on my system soon. The biggest problem I was having with pencils was finding them on the floor. It went something like this…
Me: "Whose pencil is this?"
Students: "not mine!"
Me: "So everyone has all of their pencils?"
Students: silence
Me: "Well I have picked up six pencils today and nobody is claiming them. Someone is missing a pencil!"
Students: Blank stares
Me: Get out your math workbook and let's work page 200.
Student 1: "I NEED A PENCIL"
Student 2: "JOE TOOK MY PENCIL!, SEE IT WAS BLUE. HE HAS MY BLUE PENCIL!"
Student 3: I LOST MY PENCIL
Me: Pulling my hair out.
So my OCD solution: Write each students number on 5 pencils with a sharpie at the very top by the eraser. They put these pencils in their pencil bags that velcro to their store more chair pockets from Really Good Stuff.
Now when anyone finds a pencil on the floor we put it in that students mailbox. Five sharp pencils last all day. At the end of the day I call them by groups to come let me sharpen their pencils. I don't allow them to touch MY electric pencil sharpener. Some of my kids kept the same pencils until Christmas. I love this system However I had to throw away by chair pockets because they were nasty. I will have to come up with somewhere else to put their pencils this year.
Jennifer
Grade 2 Happenings
Pencils are a pain! They drive me crazy! I think that dispenser is pure genius! And pure evil because my kids would definitely break their pencils on purpose so they could use it to get another one! I still want it though! 🙂
Kerri b
Teacherbitsandbobs
I love the dispenser! Someone said they found them from Amazon. I love it!
Kaylynn
Please check http://teachlovewrite.blogspot.com/2012/07/versatile-blogger-award-and-woven-bag.html
Surprise waiting for you there!
Congratulations!
I am with you on the pencils! I also tried a "sharpen" pencils canister and a "need to sharpen" pencils canister with my 3rd graders last year. It was a failure as was our pencil sharpener. I finally bought the new pencil sharpener everyone has been talking about and LOVE it. I have seen this pencil dispenser on Pinterest and have been looking at the clear acrylic one on Amazon.
Krista
stellar-students
My system sounds a lot like your system. And it works about as well. It does make me crazy. I saw this pin, too, and also wondered about it. I think it would probably work. At least the kids couldn't put dull pencils in there. You'd still need a cup for the dull ones. Or broken ones. Or used ones. Whatever you call it.
The clear one would be GREAT because you could see when you're about to run out!
Buzzing with Ms. B
ROTFLMAO You crack me up! I am the pencil nazi at my school. Those 7th graders better not DARE ask me for a pencil because I am done fixing their problem for them. Lucky for them they have much nicer classmates who will lend them a pencil in a jam.
Oh my gosh, I am cracking up! I also use the Sharpen Me, Sharpened system. It works for a few weeks then falls a part. They choose a perfectly sharpened pencil, write one word, and put it in the Sharpen Me basket. Really?
I teach third grade and I am assuming my students would take that new pencil thing and press the button over and over again because it's fun. If they cant handle a jar, can they handle a neat contraption?
However, it's worth a try! I mean, it is pretty neat!!
-Stacey
http://pilesofpencils.blogspot.com/
Came across your sight by accident! Love it! Trying a new system this year which I found on pintrest and I honestly can't remember which source but I give credit to that person because the ideas is not my own. I am going to try a 3 tiered drawer labled penicial hospital. One drawer is for the healthy(sharpened pencils) one for the injured(broken/unsharpened) and one for the erasers. I also have idea for storing glue that is my own. I purchased one of those old wooden slotted crates(mine says Pepsi-Cola ) at a thrift store. Each slot holds one bottle of glue. one crate holds 24. I will see how/if it works!
Are you my long lost twin? If you met me you would know exactly what I am talking about and it might frighten you. lol. I put the lol so you didn't think I was some weird stalker who was trying to frighten you. lol. again. Really though, I love your blog. You crack me up and I crack me up so we have something in common already. And this blog post about the pencils? Well, it just put me over the edge because it is one of my biggest pet peeves. I have a lot of those seeing as how I am a controlling, micromanaging, rigid, organized, teacher who wanted to to use that pencil/straw dispenser but was worried it looked dirty. Frightening I tell ya!
This just cracked me up! Glad to see from your new post that the pencil turny thing is working 🙂