Submitted by Carron Janssen, Schaumburg, Illinois
Idea posted May 28, 2002
I do two things: First - I have made cardboard recorders out of paper towel tubes. Anyone who forgets their recorder or hasn't bought one must use one of these. There are holes punched into them the same distance as on a real recorder (thanks to my husband - he measures everything). Second - I also mark it in my grade book. Anyone who consistently forgets will receive a lower grade. The kids cannot pass a song unless they are using a recorder (only exception is the kids who couldn't afford one - yes, I do have kids who couldn't afford $4.00, but I have shelled out enough money in the past to buy for them). Most kids don't forget more than one time - they hate using cardboard.