Keeping track of absent student work in the past, at least for me, wasn’t always organized. I was either losing papers or forgetting what they needed to complete. I know I know…those were not my proudest teacher moments, but it’s through those “hang your head” situations that you find a way to make it better.

Introducing my Absent Student Bin!

The system is simple.

I used a hanging file from Target, but you can use your desk drawer, pocket folders, or another type of hanging file bin. I always liked to use something that was out in my classroom and easy for my students to access. Everyone wanted the job of putting in missing work into a student’s folder, and so I let them because I appreciated the help!

I created labels for each student to put on my bin. I used Astrobrights card stock to make them sturdy and colorful. At either the very front or very back of the bin, I would place a bunch of the absent student forms that I created. I did this so that when a student was absent, they were easy to access.

When a student is absent, because I taught fifth grade, I would assign a “missing work buddy” that was responsible for getting their absent work sheet, filling it out, and collecting their work for the day. They would place it in their folder so that if the office called and needed it, or when the student returns the next day, their work was easy to find.

Click here to check it out!