Currently, I have a missed work bin. In the bin, I keep file folders labeled for each class period. As I take attendance, I pick up any handouts for the day, and put the absent student's name on the paper and drop it in the appropriate folder. Students know that they are responsible for checking the folder upon their return. I like this for several reasons. One, it's easy. It takes very little setup and kids know what to expect. Two, if I get a call from the office that a parent is picking up work, I go to the folder, grab everything with that student's name, and send a student to the office with the work.
The other method I hard about was keeping a file crate with a file for each day of the month. Extra papers are filed at the end of the day and students can go get what they need based on the date of their absence. I like this because it would make any extra copies easily accessible for students who lose things. I wonder, though, how well my 6th graders would do with remembering the dates of their absences. And, what if students relied on extra copies too much and then there weren't any left when an absent student returns?
How do you handle student absences in your classroom? I'd love to hear what you do!
For the kids,
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