October 13, 2011

Finish Up Day: How I Grade


The last day of the 9 weeks I have "Finish Up Day".  The students get all their work back from the 9 weeks and have a chance to continue working on several pieces.  I do not get out glue, scissors, paint.....but will give the students markers, crayons, colored pencils.  Students are told to start with the picture that need only a little more attention to be complete.  Then they move on to the other pieces.  While they are working, I bring students up to my table to review their work.  We talk about the fav. pieces, hardest pieces, things they could improve...etc.  It is more or less a portfolio review.  I love having the chance to ask questions, encourage, and challenge my students in their art work.  I also love letting them know what I am thinking concerning their work.  A grade on a report card is very "detached".  This makes it personal.

8 comments:

  1. Great! I too review the student's work. Still have to put a grade in the computer, but at least they know that I believe in them!

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  2. I am jealous that you have enough student cooperation to get to do this. I literally cannot even stop to help a student because if my back is turned for one second someone is stabbing someone else with a pencil. A great idea if I ever teach at a calmer school!

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  3. I agree with the last comment. With 30 students in my class I can't have my backed turned for one second. My students need absolute structure. I do, however, try to give students individual feedback. I found that writing notes on sticky notes and putting them on student works allows me a chance to connect with my students. If I ever have constructive criticism I always sandwich it with something positive.

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  4. Do you keep each child's work throughout the year, then send home all in the spring? Does each child have a cubby for work so you can easily gather it for comments?

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  5. I love this! I have been struggling with ive grthe best way to grades for awhile. Thank you for this post!

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  6. Cool idea! I think I could do it with my 5th grades as they are really advanced this year and I've developed a trust with them (I've had most for 6 years.) On a separate note one of my 5th grades is testing boundaries already. I just found pictures of them as little second graders in art. I can't wait to share them with the students. I think it will bring back a sense of commarodorie (sp) back (along with a little guilt trip). . . so we could go back to doing cool stuff like this!

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  7. I really wish I could do this but with 800 students and time constraints....sigh...I want to grow up and be Mr. E.

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  8. I've been calling it a "catch up" day, and all of the kids think I am saying "ketchup." So, of course, I made a ketchup bottle shaped sign for the day :)

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