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Fun Pointers for the Classroom

📝 This post, Fun Classroom Pointers, was originally published in 2013 and has been updated with new information and resources.

This certainly isn’t one of those classroom ideas that’s going to change the way you teach, but it is one that always makes kids smile! Years ago, I attended a math workshop where the presenter used fun pointers throughout the conference. She encouraged us to make our own and see what our students thought.

My teaching partner and I couldn’t wait to give it a try. We went home that evening and made several pointers—including one with a flip-flop attached to the end! The next day, our students were so excited! From then on, the pointers became a simple way to make calendar time, morning meeting, and whole-group lessons just a little more exciting.

Materials Needed

✔ Round wooden dowels
✔ Wooden or foam craft shapes (available at craft stores)
✔ Hot glue gun

How to Make Classroom Pointers

Choose a favorite shape, hot glue one piece to each side of the dowel, and let the glue dry completely before using the pointer. That’s it! They’re inexpensive, easy to make, and can be customized for any season or classroom theme.

Fun Ways to Use Classroom Pointers

💡 Morning meeting

💡 Calendar time

💡 Interactive whiteboard activities

💡 Student helpers (when appropriate)

More Than Just Classroom Pointers

One of my favorite things about these pointers is that they took on a life of their own. As the years went by, my students started making pointers at home and bringing them to school to add to our collection. Before long, we had a large paint can filled with all kinds of fun pointers.

Whenever it was a student’s turn to use a pointer during calendar time or morning meeting, they got to choose whichever one they wanted from the can. It became a small tradition that everyone looked forward to.

Students also loved bringing me little souvenirs from family vacations, and many of them turned out to be the perfect size for a new pointer. I always kept extra wooden dowels on hand so we could turn those special treasures into classroom pointers.

I wish I still had my entire collection, but on my last day of teaching, I let my students each choose one to take home as a keepsake. I only saved a handful for myself. The ketchup and mustard pointer was always one of my favorites!

Although I mostly used these pointers in my classroom, they’re also perfect for children who love to play school at home. My youngest always loved pretending to be the teacher and using them in his own little classroom.