The Pobble blog

Whether it’s a way to speed things up a little or to build rapport with your class. Trying out a new technique for taking attendance can be a fun routine to implement. We’ve gathered 9 of the best ideas around for you to try.

On this day - At the start of each day, share an interesting fact about that date, a significant event that happened, or a fun fact. A great way to get a bit of history in there! A quick look on Wikipedia will give you myriad events and famous birthdays to choose from.

Getting to know you - Once you’ve said their name, ask them a question. What’s your favourite thing to do? What is your favourite movie? This can be a little time consuming, but it’s a great way to engage with students and get to know them as well as encourage them to speak in front of the class.

Speed things up - If it’s time you’re looking to save, then set a stopwatch and see how quickly you can whizz through the attendance sheet. Can the class get quicker each day?

Delegate - Ask a different student each day to take attendance for you. The kids will thrive on the responsibility. Plus, it gives you a couple of valuable minutes to get some last-minute prep done.

Mix things up - Pick names in random order when taking the register. Keep them on their toes and make sure they’re concentrating.

Joke of the day - Before or after you take the register, share a silly joke or ask one of the class to share their favourite. This sets a fun and upbeat tone for the rest of the day.

Go international — Share a list of ways to say hello in different languages from around the world. Once you’ve said their name, the children choose one of them to respond with.

Rate their day — Once you’ve said a student’s name they respond with a number between 1 and 5 to say how their day is going. This shows you care and also gives you a great idea of their mood.

Next one on — Once your class are familiar with the order they come in the attendance register try this. You say good morning/afternoon [name] to the first person, then they say good morning [name] to the next person on the list and so on until everyone on the list has been marked in. The last person on the register says good morning/afternoon to you.

You’ll find heaps more teaching inspiration on Pobble.com. Sign up for WAGOLLS, age-related lesson presentations, searchable by genre, theme and age and more!