This post originally appeared on the blog The Happy Teacher.
When students are out sick, it’s hard to keep track of work they miss. The “Ketchup Folder” is a tool that helps me manage the chaos and stay organized.
Place a “Ketchup” folder on a student’s desk in the morning when you notice the child is absent. When you hand out assignments, simply slide one in to the folder. You can assign a student helper to do this as well.
I chose yellow folders because they stand out in the classroom since my take-home folders are always green. This helps me see the folder, especially when students turn it back in with their completed assignments. I usually make and laminate about TEN of these folders at the beginning of the year. Inevitably, some of the folders will get lost or you will have multiple kiddos absent on the same day.
Download the template for FREE by visiting my TpT store! If you want more details, check out my Ketchup Folder Video. I hope this classroom management tip helps you stay organized and manage the chaos that inevitably comes with missed assignments.
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Liz Pledger is the teacher blogger behind TheHappyTeacher. She is a former K-2 teacher and Instructional Specialist turned WAHM to two busy toddlers. Her blog posts, resources, and professional development videos are inspired to make teachers’ lives easier. If you are in need of classroom management ideas, organizational tips, or reading and math resources, check out TheHappyTeacher’s blog, Pinterest, and Facebook for easy-to-implement ideas.
