Lunch Count Graph

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Lunch Count Graph
By Tina in OK

On Day 1, I have 3x12 nametags with the child's first name in larger letters and last name written in smaller letters in black marker. The child then decorates the nameplate. (I do it different ways, like tie dye coloring,
monochromatic,patterning, whatever correlates at the time. Then I make headings the same size. One for Lunch from Home, Cafeteria Lunch and Absent. I keep headings and nameplates in a decorated envelope. When the first child comes in in the morning, she lays out all the cards away from where the graph will be on the floor. Then she lines up the headings and places her nameplate

under the one that applies to her. Each child places his/her nameplate under the heading going down creating a graph. When the tardy bell rings, the helper collects all the nameplates that are not on the graph and brings them to me for a quick glance to make sure no one has forgotten to put nameplate on the graph. Then, the helper writes the names of all the people that are absent on the attendance pad. They just copy straight from the nameplate, first and last name. They place those cards under the Absent heading and count the cafeteria lunches. I handle the cafeteria count slip because I have to collect and record the lunch $ turned in.

This is only successful because our wonderful school secretary appreciates the effort of the children and doesn't mind taking a moment to decipher. I like this because it gives students a chance to work with forms and purposeful writing. (The info goes straight to the computer so the slips are only seen by the secretary.)

Also, I have a clipboard with the forms and a pen tied on that I keep with the envelope. The helper of the day usually gets started writing the date and section #, etc. on the form as soon as he/she arrives. Some days we analyze the graph while the helper takes the attendance slip to the office. The helper cleans up the graph and gets it all put away for the next day. I replace the nameplates each month. Some kids will save them and have them all on their bedroom doors, etc. It really does run smoothly once we get the procedure down.