Making Pointers Work Miracles for Your Students

Using pointers helps many students as they are learning to read. These motivating pointers will keep their eyes on the pages of the book.

As young students begin to read, they need some help along the way. They need to focus more precisely on the words to gain confidence while reading and ensure one-to-one correspondence. As they are learning to read, many of them will actually use their fingers and prefer them. But, what about those students who need a little push to point to the words to focus on the words they are supposed to read?



Pointers can be extremely motivating for students as they are learning to read. Simply having them in their hands can make the difference between reading and not reading. Why? It's fun and gives them the knowledge that someone IS watching them, even it is is just a stick for the moment.

Just like the pencils in my room, I like to change up my pointers. This way the students I work with have some variety in their daily reading. Here are some of my motivating pointers.

Superhero Pointers


I made these pointers for the beginning of the year. I used some little people sticks and tablecloths to make them absolutely perfect. Hopefully my students will enjoy them.
Using pointers helps many students as they are learning to read. These motivating pointers will keep their eyes on the pages of the book.

Using pointers helps many students as they are learning to read. These motivating pointers will keep their eyes on the pages of the book.

Using pointers helps many students as they are learning to read. These motivating pointers will keep their eyes on the pages of the book.

Magic Wand Pointers

Need I say more?! Even the boys like these because they are so magical. I bought these for my daughter's birthday party and had extras. The kids love them! I love that I can have my students find a word and put it in the middle of the star.
Using pointers helps many students as they are learning to read. These motivating pointers will keep their eyes on the pages of the book.

Cocktail Stirrer Pointers

These caught my eye right away and were perfect as a pointer. The kids have no clue they are drink stirrers, especially in our community. As long as they don't sword fight, I'm OK with them.
Using pointers helps many students as they are learning to read. These motivating pointers will keep their eyes on the pages of the book.

Popsicle Stick Pointers

Over the years, I have used popsicle sticks to make pointers. Here are some simple ones I have made.
Using pointers helps many students as they are learning to read. These motivating pointers will keep their eyes on the pages of the book.


Using pointers helps many students as they are learning to read. These motivating pointers will keep their eyes on the pages of the book.

The Bottom Line About Pointers

Some students need them and some don't. Many students like to use their fingers to point, but a pointer can be a starting point for those students who need them. Be creative and find ways to help your students get motivated to read, read, read!

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Using pointers helps many students as they are learning to read. These motivating pointers will keep their eyes on the pages of the book.


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