So I shared that one of my teaching pet peeves is when a student says, "I don't know." I am making it my mission this coming year to give my students substitute words that mean more. You can read more about it by clicking the picture!
Another of my teaching pet peeves and struggles is trying to get ALL of my students to turn in their papers. Let me set the scene...
*wavy, blurry screen*
I have just finished my lesson. My student helper has passed out the assignment. We have discussed my expectations and they know to read the directions. I walk around the room as the students get to work, answer a few questions and encourage idle students to get to work.
I know the students need time to finish, so I turn on some work music.
~some time later~
The music cues everyone to finish up and turn in their papers. Most students are finished and walk to turn in their papers. Some rush to be the first. There are a few students who covertly stuff their unfinished paper into their desk, never to be found again.
*back to reality*
I have really been thinking about this problem. I really stayed on my 2nd graders to turn everything in when I asked for it, even if it wasn't finished. I think that might turn into a bigger problem with 4th graders. I know that students work at different paces, but we have limited time during the school day. (You all know this.) So I devised a plan.
I bought three pretty trays at Target's Dollar Spot a few weeks ago, so I decided they would work great for this project. I gathered some clothes pins, and my Xyron sticker maker.
(Side note: These are amazing! I only have the small one right now, but I will own the rest soon.)
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Click to go to their website. |
This is my new system for turning papers in and keeping track of students who do not turn their papers in on time. As you can see, there is a tray for Reading, Science & Social Studies, and Math. There are 22 clips on each tray and there is a recording sheet for each tray.
Procedure:
- Music cues students to finish and turn in papers
- Student walk to the appropriate tray
- Lay their papers inside with the top to the left (so all papers are facing the same way)
- Grab their clip and place it in a jar beside the tray (I don't have those yet)
- Walk back to their desks
- After all students are back in their desks or later on in the day, my clerk will record the date, assignment, and any clips that remain on the recording paper
I will be able to see at a glance how many students still need to turn in their work. I usually let students turn in their work as they finish, so this will also be great in that scenario. I will be able to see if I should allow more time or if we should be finished based on how many clips are left.
At the end of the day, I will remind the students with their numbers on the recording papers that they have extra homework and those assignment are due the following day. I will train students to place their unfinished work in their STAR binder so it will find it's way home.
Here are my files if you want them.
Labels for the boxes and the clothes pins - Click
here.
Recording Sheets:
Science & Social Studies - Click
here.
I think this procedure will be quicker and easier than it sounds on paper. What do you think? Is there something I am missing? I am open to suggestions!