Contributor:
Lorraine
When turn-taking, we have each child’s name on a small triangle which we have laminated. We stick a small magnet to them to keep them on the board.
Each time we are doing an activity which requires turn-taking, we turn over a name triangle.
When all of the names are turned over, we begin again.
This keeps the children from feeling left out, encourages those who don’t typically volunteer to participate and keeps the noise down with hands in the air begging to be chosen.
You could also try a “Washing Line”. In my class, I have a piece of string hanging above the board. Hanging from the washing line are pictures of trousers, socks, ties, shirts and boxer shorts. On the back of those pictures are the names of the children in my class. If I need to choose someone, I choose a piece of clothing from the washing line and turn it around (so the name of facing the front). When everyone has had a turn, the washing gets turned around again (so that the names are hidden), and it all starts again.
JL says… “I write each pupil’s name on an ice cream stick and place all sticks in a plastic cup. For each lesson, I will pose a question, let everyone think through it for 30 secs to 1 min, and then draw a stick out from the cup. The pupil will have to answer.”