I came up with a homework book for those that need a little more monitoring. I use a word document that I have saved on my computer for students who miss work. I just fill it out and print it for as many as are missing. I decided to also use this for a daily record of work completion.
I made a book using a three ring binder and I print off assignments that are due. Then I have the students who need the help hand all of their work in on my desk in their own basket. At the beginning and end of the day, we go through this basket and check off in the book that all assignments are in. It is easier for me than to go through all of my other papers or work looking for just a couple.
I just started this week, so we will see in a couple weeks how this is working. Here is what it looks like...
Since I referenced my homework sheet, I'll use that for my other positive thing. I type in the assignments given and then print them off for each absent student. Then I staple the homework on the sheet and write the date on the front. This is a very clean and tidy way for the students to come back to their missing work. It helps me because I don't have to hand write a note for several that are absent. It also helps focus them on where to start with the work. Here is what it looks like...
Another thing that is going well is a way I have motivated my students to read chapter books. I gave each student a piece of paper and had them decorate it with their name. Then I put the names inside my cupboard doors. Each time they finish a book, the student and I have a really short book chat so I know they read it. Then they place a post it note by their name. They are so excited to use post it notes! At first I was worrying myself with how long the book was, or other things. Then I realized... who cares - they are reading!!!! Here is a picture of one of the cupboards. These are the chapter books read by two students. Remember it's only October!
You have so many creative ideas to use with your students. I agree that tracking students late work becomes very overwhelming. I am using a system in which I have a folder for each subject area and on the cover is taped a sheet of all students names and special numbers in class. For each column I write the assingment in that is being turned in. As students hand in their work, they put an X in the box under the assignment next to their name. I usually use 1 a quarter for each subject area. If students don't turn in an assignment, they complete a late slip and log it in their log book. I do a quick check in the morning to see who has not X'd off and ask about the late slip. It works well and it puts the responsibility on the students. I am really trying to get my 4th graders to be more independent. I feel like they are always waiting for me to tell them what to do and how to do it. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteI also have used the checklist for handing in work. Mine is very similar. I just put out a checklist for each day and wrote which assignments were turned in. The kids love checking it. My only issue with that was the traffic jam at the checklist, and most of the ones that I am having trouble with are my students receiving special education services. So these are the ones that I am doing the book for. Often they didn't even know if they handed it in or not. Or they put it in places that the work doesn't belong and neither of us can find it! So having a separate basket has cured this problem. Late work is one of my biggest time wasters in my day. Someday if we move more toward digital work this would possibly be alleviated somewhat. Thanks for sharing your idea and support!
DeleteYou are just awesome! Your students are so lucky...I wish I had once ounce of your patients and creativity. I would have been a more successful student if I would have had you as my teacher.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of having the work for the day on the computer so you can just print it off for whoever was gone! I get so tired of scribbling notes on post-its!
ReplyDeleteIt is really hard to motivate students to get their homework in, especially when there isn't support at home. The post-it note idea is a fun way to show off what they've been reading!
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