Happy Saturday. This week I wrote a lot about the small, everyday stuff that decides whether a class runs smoothly: how kids take notes, how they keep themselves organized, how we talk to them when something goes sideways, and what a zero in the gradebook really does. If you only have five minutes this weekend, start with the no-zero piece. It’s the one I get the most pushback on, and I think the math will surprise you.
Bell ringer to steal for Monday
Prompt: “Think about the last time you got a grade back that felt unfair. In two or three sentences, explain what happened and what would have made it feel fair.”
It pairs nicely with the grading post below, and you’ll learn a lot about your students in five minutes. A new set goes up every day for every grade and subject at DailyBellringers.org, free.
New on Elevate the Norm
Affective Statements in Restorative Practices: What They Are and What the Evidence Shows
No Zero Grading Policy: The Math, the Evidence, and the Part Schools Get Wrong
Executive Functioning Strategies for Students: What Works in Grades 6–12
Annotation Strategies for Grades 6–12: What the Evidence Supports
Note Taking Strategies for High School Students: What the Research Supports
50% off my entire TPT store through Oct. 31
Everything in Teacher Emergency Toolkit is half off right now, all 1,000+ resources for grades 6–12. That includes emergency sub plans, bell ringers, study skills, and bundles. The sale runs through Halloween, so if you’ve had something sitting in your cart, this is the week. There’s also a free resources section you can raid without spending a dime.
See you Monday. Hit reply and tell me what’s working in your room. I read every one.
— Clay