Recorder Karate Idea Bank

I kill two birds with one stone when it comes to labeling school recorders. I put the label on the right side of the recorder body, just below the thumb hole. That way, if they play with left hand on top, the label shows. Students can check to make sure nobody is playing with right hand on top. No label - switch hands.

I print the teacher's initial and the student's number on computer labels (i.e., B-1, B-2, etc.) instead of children's names. I cover the labels with clear tape. Often the labels don't come off in the dishwasher and can be used from year to year.

For storage:

I got some inexpensive plastic 24-pair shoe holders (the kind with six rows, four pockets per row). I cut the organizer in half, which leaves 12 pockets in each piece. With two recorders per pocket, each half gives you room for a class set. The pockets are labeled (also printed on computer) so everyone knows where their instrument goes. I can tell at a glance that all the recorders have been put away at the end of class.

I tie the shoe holders to wooden hangers, and they hang on tension shower rods that I installed in my closet. I'm able to store 14 class sets of recorders using seven shoe holders and two shower rods.