Choosing Sticks

To help me choose different children each week (without trying to remember whom I’ve picked and making sure I get everybody) I came up with Choosing Sticks. I went to Wal-Mart and purchased a box of 300 Jumbo Craft Sticks for about $3.00. I then used red paint to paint one end of the stick and yellow paint to paint the other end (any colors would work). I wrote the name of the child on the center of the stick with a permanent marker. I placed the sticks in a small can (I used an empty formula can) with the yellow end sticking out of the can. I choose from the yellow end and return the stick to the can with the red end up. When all the red ends are up, I dump them out and start over. This way everyone gets a chance to get picked and I didn’t have to spend time coloring or money laminating anything. The sticks will last and you can scribble out a name or write a new name on the back if someone moves. I painted a lot of extra sticks so I have them handy in the closet at the church. When someone new moves in I can quickly add his/her name to the can. I have two cans: one for JR and one for SR primary.

Thanks to Natalie in Ogden, UT for this idea!