Grading papers...

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Home : 2003 : October : 7

Grading papers...
By Kathy

I have my fourth graders grade their own math. It's their job to correct it and then go back and correct their mistakes before they turn it in. I do a "spot-check" before recording the grade. (They automatically get 10
points for going through the process even if they don't get a perfect paper.) If I find they are not grading carefully, I have a talk with them and then monitor that child more closely.
Since we use Saxon, we have a test once every 5 lessons. (Of course, I grade all the tests.) If they don't make sure they understand the daily work, they can't do well on the tests--so that keeps

them on their toes. They don't always love doing the grading and correcting, but I believe it's all part of the learning process and that immediate feedback is important.

I try to do cooperative learning and projects when I can--which cuts down on the paperwork. I generally only assign a couple turn-in assignments a day. The rest of the time we are doing group work that I evaluate as I go.

When I do give worksheets, my favorite kind are ones that you can tell just by looking if the child got it right. (For instance, using a code that answers a riddle or makes some kind of a design.) Those I can just stamp and send home without recording.

If all else fails, you can throw out a stack of practice papers!! I feel that if I have not graded them in a couple days, returning them begins to lose its effectiveness. I tend to grade and record less--but try to have those papers I do grade back by the next day.