In the classroom, it seems that pencils just disappear. They vanish into thin air. A student may borrow a pencil and that is the last the teacher sees of it. Students also lose their pencils all of the time. These are 10 clever ways to solve the problem of disappearing pencils.

.1 Decorate with Colorful Tape

Each student can be given special tape such as washi tape to decorate their pencils. They can use this tape to make their own designs. This will allow them to take ownership of their pencil and hopefully keep an eye on it.

 .2 Number the Pencils

Every pencil should be numbered. There are small paper flags that can be used to put numbers on the pencils. Each student is given a number and that is their pencil to be used. When a pencil goes missing the student will need to find it.

.3 Paper Straw Home

Paper straws make great homes for pencils. The straws can be snipped down to size and taped to each student’s desk. When the pencil is not being used it can be placed in the straw. This will give the pencil a place to go and prevent it from rolling away.

 .4 Toothbrush Holders

Toothbrush holders are just the right size for pencils. If the desks arranged in groups the toothpaste holder can be placed in the center and there is a spot for every pencil. This will help prevent them from getting lost in a desk.

 .5 TP Stations

Old toilet paper rolls are easy to decorate. They also make great stations to hold pencils. Each student can decorate their own role and they can use it to store their pencil. This way there is always something there.

.6 Name Pencils

This may sound very simple but it is something most teachers have not tried. Using a sharping write each students’ name on the pencil. This will make the student responsible for them and it will be easier to know who is missing a pencil.

.7 Checkout

When a student borrows a pencil they need to check it out and then sign it back it. This will make them responsible for the pencil. There are different ways to do this based on the age of the students. For older students, a simple sign out sheet can be used. For younger students, they can put a magnet with their name in the sign-out area and remove it when they sign the pencil back in.

 .8 Pencil Pouch

Each student in the class has their own pocket that is hanging up in the classroom. Each pocket has two pencils. When one of the pencil points breaks the students need to take out the other one. This will help make sure they have a pencil to use and will cut down on distractions.

 .9 Pencil Flags

A colored tap can be put around the top of the pencil with the student’s initials. This way they know what pencil is theirs and will be able to keep track of it.

 .10 Trade

When a student borrows a pencil from the teacher they should leave something behind. When they sign the pencil back in they get their item back. It should be something the students will not forget. Older kids and turn in their cell phones and younger ones a toy. This way they will remember to give the pencil back.

These are some suggestions to help with the problem of disappearing pencils. These tips will help make sure all students have a pencil and teach them to be responsible for classroom supplies.