Pencil Dilemma

by Sandra
(Michigan)

I teach a 1st/2nd grade split. I have 24 students in my class and they have individual desks.

My students are horrible with pencils. I pass out newly sharpened pencils at the beginning of the day and pick them up at the end of the day. I also have extras readily sharpened in case someone's breaks.

The problem is the students are constantly breaking their pencils or losing them. I am wasting so much time replacing pencils.

Eventually I told students that they would have to use a crayon if their pencils continued to break, however this caused more behavior issues.

Does anyone have any ideas to help remedy this problem? Thank you!

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Pencil Dilemma

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Oct 03, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Great Ideas
by: Anonymous

This has been a problem for me as well. I have tried the crayon thing, but have had no luck. I like the idea of the velcro on the desk, this at least keeps them from losing them. Something I will definitely try!
Apr 09, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		I Feel You Pain
by: Edna Lee

I wrote about this exact issue on my blog and found it is a Hot Topic in education. Who knew?!?! I've just switched to pens, but in fourth grade, that is an option. Not so much for those primary kiddos. Lots of people have also suggested golf pencils and I think that might be a good alternative.

Good luck!
Mar 30, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Velcro those Pencils
by: Anonymous

I have taught First Grade for many years and have struggled with "I can't find my pencil". This year I placed a small velcro circle on the corner of each student's desk and the other part of the velcro circle on a pencil toward the eraser end. Students need to place the pencil on the velcro circle if not in use. It has worked very well!
Mar 05, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		pencil sharpener job
by: Anonymous

I teach second grade and I have a student sharpen pencils every afternoon. Each student is responsible for getting 2 sharpened pencils every morning before class begins. They trade their unsharpened pencils for sharpened ones and I have a container that is clearly marked for sharpened pencils and unsharpened pencils. This seems to work well in my class.
Mar 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Golf Pencils
by: Mrs. Mikesell

I buy tons and tons of golf pencils at the beginning of the year. No eraser - just a pencil.

I've been doing this for about 6 years now and I love it.

They hold their point longer, sharpen better and just make my life a lot easier because they are pre-sharpened.

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