I teach 8th grade. Here are some things that are invaluable to me.
1. Three-ringed binders. I put each unit in a binder. If I have transparencies, CDs, DVDs, etc, they are all put in it too, along with the lesson plans and objectives for that unit.
2. Hanging files. I have one for each student. That’s where ALL corrected work goes. Either at the end of the week or whenever the files start to bulge, I remind the students to take home their work or it’s getting recycled.
3. Keep detailed lesson plans on the computer. If something needs tweaking, it’s much easier to edit.
4. Try and get copies made at least a week ahead of time. I have a shelf that is labeled for each of my three preps. Right now I have the rest of this week’s papers, along with all of next week’s copies. If I have an emergency absence, it’s a lot easier for my sub.
5. Make sure you have a sub folder. I also have a one week reading lesson plan and a three day language arts lesson plan. I have many grammar review sheets along with a sticky note with sketchy directions.
Above all, (this is for 8th grade) don’t feel you need to grade everything. Some things can be done just for practice, others for a grade. Some things can be self-corrected by the students. And some things NEED to be graded by the teacher. In grammar, I grade very little. I grade their writing. But most of the grammar sheets and assignments are self- corrected. I grade the assessments.
Just a few of my ideas.
-Karen
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