One of my many favorite activities to do at the very beginning of the school year (I'm talking Day 2!) is my "Tips for Neat Work." Building a strong classroom management foundation and establishing new routines are extremely important.
Equally important to me is setting students up for success with their quality of work.
Years and years ago, I got sick and tired of saying, "Slow down. Take your time. Do your best!" (Does any other teacher say those things? #kidding!)
I decided to be proactive. Really...it was when I came to first grade and realized that if I (being a primary teacher) didn't establish the importance of quality and pride in work, some students may begin to form poor habits of rushing and scribbling. Can't have that!! After teaching third grade for 10 years I realized how difficult it is to change those habits in just a 9 year old.
So...enter a new fave!
On the second day of school, which may seem early, but really there is a lot of coloring and drawing those first couple weeks of school...for all grade levels. I wanted to be sure my students knew that I was not expecting VanGogh to walk through the door, but that my expectation was simply that they put in their best effort. After all...you don't go to the store or library to get a book and pick out the one with scribbling and scratch outs, right?!
To read about the activity, check out my new product...
Referring back to the poster as needed throughout the year helped students to know exactly what my expectations were. If the message we want to send to others is that we are proud of our work, then shouldn't the effort match that?
The poster included is also one I send home for parents at the beginning of the year to help reinforce these ideas at home. I have heard wonderful, positive feedback from some parents who's child wants to rush through their homework or skip some parts to play. They are able to refer to the poster hanging on the fridge (or wherever their homework spot is) and remind the child of the importance of neat work.
#waytogoparents
What a terrific team both out for the student's best interest!
On another note...tomorrow starts the big
Check it out for 20% off everything in my store!
Only 9 more days til kids walk into my classroom...yikes! Gotta get shopping and creating.
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