Flip sticks are an excellent tool for any classroom! They have so many uses, such as giving students an equal opportunity to share in classroom discussions or to choose students at random to participate in activities. They have been a game changer for my classroom! Here is how you can make your own!
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Materials Needed
- Wide Popsicle Sticks
- Sponge Brush
- Yellow Paint ( I used MS Matte Banana)
- Pink Paint ( I used MS Matte Watermellon)
- Silver Sharpie
- Black Sharpie
- Strong Scissors
- Washi tape or Avery Labels to REUSE these
- Bakers Twine (if you are gifting)
First, cut the popsicle sticks.
Trust me, it is easier than it sounds! Just make sure you have a strong pair of scissors, cut up and to the end of the popsicle stick. After I did this, I cut the point of the popsicle stick to ensure it wasn’t sharp.
Next, paint the yellow and pink
Simply paint the yellow in the center of the popsicle sticks leaving room for the “eraser” and “pencil point”. After it dries, paint the pink on the rounded side. Repeat this on both sides!
Last, add the finishing touches
Finally grab your sharpies and make the final touches. I made silver lines for the metal eraser cap. The black sharpie is for the pencil point and student names.
How to use them:
- Have all pencil sticks in a cup facing down ( eraser side up)
- Pull out a students stick to call on them
- Flip the stick and place it back in the cup so you know who you have already called on.
I would love to know if this tutorial was helpful for you and the ways you are successfully using them in your own classroom.
