cell phone policy

You know that moment when a guest teacher actually takes the time to leave a compliment in the sub notes? It’s the dream. This year, all four of my guest teachers have specifically called out how smooth and easy attendance was in my room, and it’s all thanks to the cell hotel system.

Yep. My cell phone routine doubles as my attendance system, and it’s been an absolute game-changer. Here’s exactly how I make it work, and why I’ll be sticking with it.

What Is a Cell Hotel?

If you’re unfamiliar, a “cell hotel” is basically one of those hanging pocket charts (think shoe organizer) that students place their phones in at the start of class. Each student has a numbered pocket (matched to their seat number), and it becomes part of our daily entry routine.

It’s not a brand-new idea, but the way I use it for both phone management and attendance might be new to you.

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You’re mid-lesson, the class is focused, and then—you see it. A student subtly shifts, hand to pocket. Their phone just buzzed.

They don’t even take it out. No screen, no scrolling.

But the damage is already done.

Research shows that just feeling a phone vibrate can knock a student off task for up to 5 minutes. Not because they checked it, but because their brain did—automatically.

That tiny buzz triggers a cognitive shift. Their mind starts to wonder: Who texted me? Is it urgent? Should I check?
Even if they resist, their focus is gone, and it takes time—and effort—to get it back.

Studies on the impact of phones in classrooms reveal something every teacher has seen: tech distractions don’t need screens to sabotage attention. The anticipation alone burns mental fuel.

Over time, the problem compounds. Students conditioned by constant notifications develop twitchy attention spans. They struggle to stay present even when they aren’t actively on their device.

So what can we do?
Create clear, consistent phone policies. Talk to students about why focus matters. Be transparent with students about the reasons behind those policies to develop buy-in.

Because that little buzz?
It’s louder than it sounds.

Want to read about my classroom phone policy? The Cell Hotel – A Cell Phone Management System that Actually Works