Equity Sticks

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

What's In a Name?

Many elementary school teachers have a jar or cup of popsicle sticks, with one student's name written on each stick. This enables you to eliminate all bias in calling on kids, or just not have to think as much. Instead of calling on the kid who always has her hand up or who sits in the front, you pick the name and there you go. It's a common practice and I thought nothing of it when I started at this new school.

Then one of the teachers asked me if I had "equity sticks" in my classroom. Equity sticks? Really? I didn't know what she meant at first but it soon became obvious. Actually, they're just popsicle sticks. Maybe name sticks. Craft sticks. Wooden sticks.

I can't say equity sticks without sounding ridiculous. Actually, I don't think anyone can call popsicle sticks "equity sticks" without sounding ridiculously pompous.

One year ago: What's in a Name?

Four years ago: Payday?

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Bronwyn Harris, Author

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