grading papers

A fast note on something I've learned recently.
I hate to grade papers. It's such a pain.
But these are the things I've learned about grading papers.
1) You don't actually have to grade every paper and input the grade. Just call it "participation grades" and give them a blanket grade for the week. I think this works particularly well in FACS where there are some handouts that I do that don't necessarily have a right or wrong answer. I just want them to be engaged.
2) Grade as you go. I'm 2 1/2 weeks behind and it is miserable and I want to shoot myself. I should be grading things every day. But I'm just a slacker. Sigh.
3) Rubrics are awesome. Even if you use a toned down version of a rubric. I gave my students an 80 point project last week, and I broke it up. 15 points for pictures, 15 points for spelling and grammar, 10 points for looking nice, and 40 points for content. I didn't break it down any more than that, but it's given me enough wiggle room that I know where to go with it. I think otherwise, I would give everyone 78/80.
4) Make sure your students know how many points different assignments are worth.

One day, I'm going to get really on top of things and I'm going to make a packet of papers for each unit. That way I can grade packets at a time in stead of papers at a time. I think it will have to wait until after this first quarter though. Sigh.

Good news though, things are getting easier. Lessons are getting easier, management is getting (a little) easier, and I'm getting a better idea of where I want to be going with my classes. Tomorrow I'm starting a sewing unit with my 6th graders and I have no idea where we're going. My expertise was always in foods. So it's a little challenging, but I can do it. I'm also teaching labor and delivery to my 8th graders. I'm excited to see their faces when we talk about delivery. *Insert maniacal laugh here*