Graded Papers

As I stated in my previous post, I feel like this year is "New Teacher".  One issue that I've come across is handing back papers.  I spend 5 minutes handing back papers last week and I was not happy with how much time I wasted.  Some of you may be thinking, why don't you have the kids pass them out?  Personally, I don't like that for two reasons.  One, it encourages visiting and/or off task behavior.  Second, I don't like kids seeing what other people's grades are. 

So, I needed to devise a great system...and of course I turned to Pintrest!  I decided to give each of my students a folder, I wrote their first name on them in different colors for each class (alphabetized by their last name), placed them in hanging file folders and put those in an extra crate I had in the room. 

My new paper delivery system!

I told the students they are welcome to check their folder any time.  However, they are to only check their folder.  Also, I am the only person to put papers in.  I keep it in the back of the room on an extra desk. 

Happy Teaching!
C

Information Wall

This year I have tried another room management tool.  I used to divide the far end of my board with tape or borders.  In those divisions I would put the date, whether it was an "A" or "B" day (those determine which classes we see that day), homework, the SOL number/letter and reminders.

I decided to try a system that a few of my friends use; I added a twist.  My friends have laminated papers, glue them on the wall and then write their homework on the laminated paper.

Earlier in the summer I bought decorated half posters and then laminated them.  I hot glued them to the wall.  I used punch-out letters to signal the day of the week.  In the top left corner, I write the date and the SOL number/letter in the top right.  I also write their homework on the poster board.  To let the students know which day it is I have different colored punch-out letters to designate "A" days or "B" days.

My Information Wall

Each Monday they write their homework for the week.  Right now I verify agendas by signing them.  As the year goes on I will change the verification process and check them less often.  My hope is that this will lead to independence.  In the end...isn't that what we want?

Happy Teaching!
C

Envelope System I Snagged from Pinterest!

Well, tomorrow is the first day of school and I have been busily (that may be an understatement) running around to put on the finishing touches.

Today, I made my envelope collection system.  I used Excel to make a simple roster/assignment organizer.  The names are down the side of the paper and then I made blank boxes to write the assignments in.  I used duct tape to reinforce the edges and to differentiate the different classes.

The procedure (should go) is I will send the envelope around the room.  The student will put their paper in the envelope and initial or check off.  Once it gets back to me I will have a quick way to see who has turned in their papers and who hasn't.

Hope it goes as planned!

Happy Teaching!

C