Organization is the Key

Create a place or space for the materials you keep. Divide your paperwork into categories: To Do, To File, To Read, To Hold (and any other broad category of paperwork that you need to keep nearby). Have a file holder for each category. As each piece of paperwork lands on your desk, place it in its proper category. You will, of course, periodically file the "To File" paperwork-don't let it build up.

Out of Sight

Throw out unused materials. Be ruthless. If you haven't used the material for more than two years, then it is probably time to let go of it. (You may want to put them in a box, write "Free" on the side, and put them in your school's faculty lounge.)

E-Z Grade Recording

At the beginning of the year, assign each student a number which corresponds to the number in your roll book. (Roll books usually numbered lines for students' names.) Instruct students to put their numbers (along with their names) on their papers. Then, when you collect the papers, simply have one student put them in numerical order. Marking grades in the book then becomes a snap because you are not jumping from name to name trying to find a particular student. (Appropriate for middle and high school.)

ABC E-Z

I collect student work in ABC order. It then takes less time to record scores and return their papers to the classroom mail center.
Submitted by: A teacher

Timely Tip

Remember: Every single paper-and-pencil task a student completes, does not have to be graded.

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