1. Grade students writing
Grading papers can be time-consuming tasks for teachers. To save yourself stress, consider not pointing out every single mistake on a student’s work. However, highlight the errors that directly align with the lesson. Create a cheat sheet with frequently-used comments from which you can easily copy and paste.
Grading papers can be time-consuming tasks for teachers. To save yourself stress, consider not pointing out every single mistake on a student’s work. However, highlight the errors that directly align with the lesson. Create a cheat sheet with frequently-used comments from which you can easily copy and paste.
2. Post instructions
Do you ever feel like you are repeating yourself to students? Menachem Moscovitz believes that every teacher feels like that every once in a while. With the use of shared workflow documents like Google Docs you can post instructions for lessons and tasks in one central location students check regularly. This method can be used for tests as well as assignments.
3. Use assignment numbers
Menachem Moscovitz uses this clever trick, he says that this organizing trick will help you grade and sort papers quickly. In alphabetical order, assign each student in your classroom a number; have them write it on the upper right corner of every paper they turn in. With the papers alphabetized you can grade and record scores in your grade book.
4. Sticky note warnings
To deal with disruptive behavior without interrupting the class, place three large notes on the board. Every time a student acts out; quietly remove a sticky note instead of punishing the student. Once all the notes are gone, enforce a consequence, such as detention or a note home. You can easily reset this practice every day for the entire class or one to two individual students.
5. Use wall folders to check assignments
Hang folders each for one for each student in a central location you can see from your desk. Students use the folders to turn in their homework assignments when they enter the classroom. Menachem Moscovitz shares that this way you can easily see at a glance which students complete their work on time.
6. Manage papers in an easy way
Here are a few tricks to help control the mess:
- Schedule a block of time once a week on your calendar to declutter and file papers that are on your desk.
- Utilize a word processing program to organize and store frequently used forms.
- Designate a file drawer for each subject you teach to sort paper by topic, such as blue for tests and quizzes, etc.
Lesson planning sites can be powerful time-saving tools. Allow students and fellow teachers to view your plans online and adjust lessons with a single click of the mouse!
8. Get students on task
If your students take long to get settled in their seats after the bell rings, consider planning timed activities that students are expected to complete within the first 10 to 15 minutes of class. It could be a trivia contest or a question that introduces that day’s work.
9. Use an email template
Menachem Moscovitz says that as a modern-day teacher, you are likely spending a lot of time sending emails to students and parents on different issues and subjects. Instead of typing out the same email every time, create a standard template for each common issue that you can cut, paste quickly.
