Details
Pages
10 Pages
Resource Type
Activities, Projects
Product
Digital
Grade
7th, 8th
Subject
Not subject specific
Description
An efficient way to manage your classroom is to teach your students organization, especially when it comes to their binders. My observations tell me that students who are organized in jr. high or middle school are more likely do well in their classes. As for you, the teacher, it saves much time and headaches when students know where materials are located, when assignments are due, and how to locate a calendar or agenda with important dates.
I have tried doing weekly binder checks for a grade, but it is time consuming and not very effective. Students weren't showing responsibility for their own organization, and I was spending too much time grading binders each week when I needed the time for teaching. To solve these problems, I switched to monthly binder checks and created a rewards/token system that gives students motivation to keep their work organized, neat and complete. Students earn different types of rewards base on their binders. The rewards are laminated tokens that go into a raffle box and students win prizes according to the color of their tokens. Students who earn the blue 'Perfectly Organized" tokens get to choose first from an array of prizes. The students with the green 'Planning and Progressing" choose second, and the the students with the tan tokens choose last. I also do a raffle early in the first trimester as a training tool.
In order to keep the binder checks simple and quick, I check them during tests and quizzes or while students are completing an independent class assignment such as Quizlet, Edpuzzle, or writing journals. I check 6-7 binders each day, each period for a full school week. By the end of the week, I've checked all student binders. Because there is no grade to record, the process is quick and simple.
I included a sample checklist with this product, but you can create your own. I would love to hear what items you added to your binder check checklist. I hope you find the process helpful and will use the tokens as motivators for your students, which will lead to better classroom organization and management. If you have any questions or comments, email me at [email protected] or find me on Instagram at @daynaranae.
I have tried doing weekly binder checks for a grade, but it is time consuming and not very effective. Students weren't showing responsibility for their own organization, and I was spending too much time grading binders each week when I needed the time for teaching. To solve these problems, I switched to monthly binder checks and created a rewards/token system that gives students motivation to keep their work organized, neat and complete. Students earn different types of rewards base on their binders. The rewards are laminated tokens that go into a raffle box and students win prizes according to the color of their tokens. Students who earn the blue 'Perfectly Organized" tokens get to choose first from an array of prizes. The students with the green 'Planning and Progressing" choose second, and the the students with the tan tokens choose last. I also do a raffle early in the first trimester as a training tool.
In order to keep the binder checks simple and quick, I check them during tests and quizzes or while students are completing an independent class assignment such as Quizlet, Edpuzzle, or writing journals. I check 6-7 binders each day, each period for a full school week. By the end of the week, I've checked all student binders. Because there is no grade to record, the process is quick and simple.
I included a sample checklist with this product, but you can create your own. I would love to hear what items you added to your binder check checklist. I hope you find the process helpful and will use the tokens as motivators for your students, which will lead to better classroom organization and management. If you have any questions or comments, email me at [email protected] or find me on Instagram at @daynaranae.
An efficient way to manage your classroom is to teach your students organization, especially when it comes to their binders. My observations tell me that students who are organized in jr. high or middle school are more likely do well... more
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