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Strategies to Manage Frequent Pencil Sharpening in the Classroom

My students are constantly sharpening pencils in the classroom. I started them off the school year with individual pencils and bag, but this method doesn't seem to work. They get up during every block of the day. This is becoming a big problem. What do you suggest I do?

Posted on: 10/18/15 | Views: 2580
Solution #1
Top Solution
My students are allowed to sharpen pencils only during transitions (entering or leaving the class or between classes). I have a container of extra pencils that students are allowed to use if they have one that breaks. Also, students in my class have a signal that they use when if they happen to need a pencil during instruction. Using this non-verbal signal does not disrupt the flow of the lesson and does not allow a student to simply holler out or get up without me acknowledging their request.

Non-verbal signals are always a really good idea! I like that they are successful for all grades.

This is so helpful!

Great idea.

I love this idea and this is what I would do if I were in the same situation.

I really like the non-verbal communication.

Great idea!

I would use this in my classroom as well. I have seen a family member implement this is her own classroom and it works amazingly

I love this!

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Solution #2
you could have a bin that needs to be sharpened pencils and bins that have sharpened pencils and during a time period if you have a few minutes to sharpen the one that need to be sharpened.

I like that idea of having something for the "needs to be sharpened" and "already sharpened". Or another suggestion would be to keep the pencils that are very tiny with barely an eraser on it - and if the student needs to sharpen their pencil after the time allotted then give them the small pencil and they may start to realize that is what they will be stuck using if they aren't sharpening when they're supposed to.

Great idea.

Having a bin with sharpened pencils can cut down on the noise in the classroom and make it easier to get pencils when needed.

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Solution #3
I would suggest putting pencils in an easily accessible part of the room where students get a pencil if needed and return it when they no longer need it. I have what is called loan a pencil in my room, and my pencils have my name them so I know they are mine. Because of this, no time is wasted by the students to sharpen or find another pencil.

Great idea.

this solution is excellent.

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Solution #4
Well, at my children's school, students are only allowed to sharpen pencils at the beginning of the school day. We (parents) are required to send 5 sharpened pencils to school each day. This reduces the amount of time that is being wasted by the noise of the pencil sharpener.

Great idea.

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Solution #5
I am not sure what grade, or school level you teach, but my first graders were having this issue as well, so I implemented a few changes within my classroom. I decided to pick two students to have the "pencil sharpening" job, I taught my students a "silent signal" of putting 2 fingers into the air for them to use during instruction/work time, and I also have a pencil bucket with two sides. One side has already sharpened pencils and the other side has broken pencils for the students to sharpen in the morning. Those changes have really helped my classroom management and limited the amount of disruption within my classroom. Good luck!
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Solution #6
In my classroom I have a class rule that pencils are sharpened only once a day. Each student must have two yellow No. 2 pencils sharpened before the bell rings. This is a part of my classroom management plan. If a pencil breaks during instruction, students must use their second or "backup pencil". If a students somehow breaks another lead, they can ask a table mate that is willing to separate with their pencils. This has made my students more responsible. I know it sounds harsh, but it has been working like a charm in my room. None of my students would dare to ask aloud for a pencil during instruction or walk over to our electric sharpener. My students typically resolve this matter on their own for the sake of me finding out someone is not prepared for class. When students need pencils replaced because they are to small to sharpen, they must turn in that pencil for a new one. This is only done at about 2 weeks. Pencils are literally a non-factor in my room. I hope this helps. Good Luck!

Great idea.

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Solution #7
In my classroom their are two mini buckets on my desk labeled "Need to be sharpened" and "sharpened". I make sure that there are always some sharpened pencils in the "sharpened" bucket. If a students pencil breaks, I can simply take the broken pencil and place it in the "needs to be sharpened" bucket and supply them with a sharpened pencil. I also keep buckets with sharpened pencils at each of their group stations. They are to use the pencils at their group stations first - this way distractions are minimized. At the end of the day, I'll have certain classroom helpers sharpen the "need to be sharpened" pencils with me for the next day. This has been a great strategy in our class - I would recommend trying it!
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Solution #8
I like the idea of sharpening pencils only during transitions. You could also remove your pencil sharpener so that they students have to only use the sharpened pencils that you have for the classroom. You could even provide "points" or some other kind of incentive for students who do not have to sharpen their pencils during class.

Great idea.

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Solution #9
Pencils and more pencils!! They always see to 'break' as soon as it is work time. A lot of people use the whole 'trade a pencil' technique which is a great idea. However, it always seems everyone needs a new pencil at the same time so the 'sharp' container is always empty! I would recommend having a container at each table area with sharpened pencils where they won't have to get up to trade pencils. Also, having a small handheld pencil sharpener at each table will eliminate the constant getting out of seats. As we all know, when the pencil sharpeners become very full it makes a HUGE mess! I would recommend having a table helper that empties the pencil shavings out at the end of each day.
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Solution #10
I would allow a break time during the instruction to allow for pencil sharpening or whatever they please. The time would be an incentive and may also be taken away if a consequence needs to be added.
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Solution #11
In a classroom I have been working in there is a cup of already sharpened pencils, if a student needs a new pencil they will hold up 1 finger and the teacher or the assistant will take the pencil from the student put it in the can marked "needs to be sharpened" and takes a pencil from the already sharpened can. You can use this for a method. And at the end of the day have one student sharpen all of the pencils and replace the ones that have been used.
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Solution #12
I would establish a set time for students to sharpen their pencil. Also, I have seen teachers who have a bucket with sharpened pencils. The students know if their pencil breaks, to go and replace it with a sharpened one from the bucket, leaving their broke one. That way, you're not loosing your pencils.
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Solution #13
Tell them to do it before hand only
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Solution #14
What I did in my classroom is have a two cups on for sharpen pencils and one for dull pencils. They are allow to grab from the sharpen pencils only, I would sharpen them before the following day. Avoid them getting up.

Great idea.

I have seen this used in classrooms also. Great idea.

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Solution #15
I have had a supervising teacher during one of my internships who would have students sharpen all of their pencils at the end of the day as part of their daily "jobs" around the classroom. This tended to reduce the amount of pencils that needed sharpening during the day.
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Solution #16
Have two bins next to the sharpener: One with sharpened pencils and one with dull pencils. Assign a student to sharpen all the dull pencils in the morning so that the sharpened pencil bin is full and if students need a sharpened pencil they can grab one and put the dull one in the other bin.
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Solution #17
Have a designated pencil sharpener (a student who is usually early to class) and have him or her sharpen the pencils each morning.
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Solution #18
Tell students they are allowed to sharpen pencils during the first 2 minutes of class, and after that they cannot sharpen them,
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Solution #19
When I observed a classroom, I noticed that the teacher had a routine set in place for this. The students were allowed to sharpen their pencils in the very beginning of the school day during morning routine, and then again after lunch if needed. Also if the students wanted, they were allowed to have mechanical pencils in the classroom.
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Solution #20
I would only allow them to sharping their pencils at the beginning of the class and at the start of each subject. Or if you have the option, mechanical pencils!
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Solution #21
If it is in an elementary classroom, I would keep a bin with sharpened and unsharpened pencils ready to go.
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Solution #22
A good approach is to eliminate the problem early. I will require students to have three sharpened pencils ready for the day before class begins. At the beginning of each class I will go around and make sure that the students have all three sharpened and ready to go while also collecting any homework that is due. If the students have all three sharpened and their homework done they will receive a ticket. These tickets can be used to "buy" other supplies, snacks, and rewards such as "carpet time." They need to have three sharpened one to begin with and two back ups the third can also be given to a fellow classmate in case all of theirs breaks.
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Solution #23
Make sure they know they are not to leave their seat during a lesson unless they have permission. I would also only allow sharpening during transitions or I would have a bin with pencils that are sharpened before hand and allow them to switch their pencils.
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Solution #24
Having two cups for pencils usually works well, from my experiences. One cup is filled to the brim with sharpened pencils. I give one student this job after school. The other cup is for broken pencils that need to be sharpened. If these cups are filled/emptied daily, the pencils don't normally leave the room and the interruptions are minimal. Additionally, if the students are purposefully breaking the pencils and empty the full sharpened pencils in one day, they get to use small golf pencils as a sort of punishment.
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Solution #25
I would suggest a pencil sharpening time. Maybe in the beginning of the day before class starts have them sharpen 3 pencils and use that the whole day. If They need to in the middle of the day maybe assign another time after lunch where they can sharpen them. This will help with the students getting up every 5 minutes during lessons.
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Solution #26
I would have pencils sharpened at the beginning middle and end of the day. This way students have enough pencils during class time.
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Solution #27
I would encourage allowing students to have a personal sharpener with them at the table. Tell them the electric sharpener will only be allowed in the morning when they arrive but if they do not do it during this time they will have to use a personal one at the table and it will only be emptied while they are packing up.
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Solution #28
I think you should create designated times to sharpen pencils so that they are not doing this. I think that would be the most effective way to handle this.
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Solution #29
I would pre-sharpen pencils for the students before the day begins. Take the pencils back once they are finished using them. Only allow the teacher to sharpen the pencils this prevents students from sharpening them as much.
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Solution #30
I would suggest having both a sharp and a dull pencil bucket. Students can select a sharp pencil at the beginning of class or borrow one if their tip breaks or becomes dull, students return the pencils to the dull bucket and grab a new sharp one from the other bucket as needed. This way students are not using the pencil sharpener during class, causing others to lose focus or interrupt instructional time. In addition, this also saves the pencil sharpener form being abused, as we all know they are expensive to replace. The teacher is the only one to use the pencil sharpener. In addition before class starts I offer if anyone wants "their" personal pencil sharpened before the beginning of the day.
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Solution #31
I very much like the idea of non-verbal signals when a student needs a pencil. I would entertain the possibility of providing students with a small, personal hand sharpener they can keep in their pencil bag. This way, they are silent when they sharpen their pencil and they do not need to get up from their desk.
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Solution #32
I will have a money system in the classroom and they will loose their dollars to buy a new pencil
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Solution #33
You should not allow students to just get up when they want to just to sharpen their pencils, i would put some rules in place for sure.
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Solution #34
The great pencil challenge! Students have to keep the pencil they have for an entire week. If it needs to be sharpened, I keep a big tub of sharpened pencils, and they can swap out for the day. Then the pencil sharpener sharpens pencils at the end of the day.
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Solution #35
When students leave in the afternoon, collect their pencils that they returned and sharpen them all. During lessons, teach students to hold up a silent hand signal that signifies they need a pencil, and silently provide them with one from the sharpened bunch. This should minimize distractions, and students should ask students near them to borrow a pencil if they do not have one.
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Solution #36
Having the students know and understand that sharpening a pencil only happens at certain times, and having a non-verbal signal as well as a extra pencil bucket for emergencies.
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Solution #37
I would have a basket of sharpened pencils that students are able to access during the lesson. They can put their broken pencils in a basket when they grab a new one. Students will still be getting up, but at least you won't have the noise as an extra distraction. When they take a pencil, they will have to place one in another in the "broken" basket.
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Solution #38
Try having a a reminder posted on the board when the students come into the room. Have them ask to get out of their seat, and if it is to sharpen a pencil, they will have to face some sort of consequence, because they were not prepared for class.
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Solution #39
Have a set time where students are able to sharpen there pencils. After lunch, after play time etc. If there is an emergency where students need to sharpen their pencils have them raise two fingers before they just get up and have them wait until you give them permission.
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Solution #40
I would ensure that any sharpening needs to be done at the beginning of class. Otherwise they will have to either borrow from a buddy or not get credit for the day for not being prepared for class.
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Solution #41
One solution could be to provide each student with with new pencils as well as personal pencil sharpeners.
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Solution #42
I would make sure that before you start your lesson, make sure the students sharpen their pencils. Have them sharpen every two hours. I know it seems time consuming, but if you give them the opportunity, I am sure they will have each pencil sharpened. This will eliminate them getting up and down every minute.
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Solution #43
I would designate a class pencil sharpener and keep the sharp pencils in the back of the classroom.
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Solution #44
Make them use mechanical pencils!
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Solution #45
mechanical!
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Solution #46
Maybe you could have a designated time to sharpen pencils? That way they could all do it at one time. Or give them a few points for coming to class with pencils already sharpened, so kind of make it homework.

Great idea.

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