Classroom Routines
1. You should pair up with a buddy who can collect handouts for you if you are away and who can get you up to speed on what you missed. If this doesn't work out I also keep a box of leftover handouts in the classroom.
2. All upcoming assignments and tests are listed on the classroom blackboard.
3. To get you relaxed and focused, we start each class with a few minutes of breathing exercises.
4. I don't give out grades on your assignments when I return them. Too often students flip to the grade, skim the comments and rarely reread the paper. This is a rational response as high school is currently structured in a way that equates grades with worth. (This article "The Case Against Grades" explains why this system is problematic.) Stopping at finding out your grade ends the learning process. Getting back an assignment should be part of the learning process. The next step should be to reread your work and my comments, think about the feedback and consider what skills you want to work on for the next assignment. To encourage this process I give each student a tracking sheet at the beginning of the course where you can record my most helpful comments and your own considerations. Once completed, I fill in the grade the assignment received and return it to you. If you have a specific recurring grammar error, I'll also have you complete a relevant exercise from the Grammar dropdown under the Learning Resources tab on this website. You'll need to print this out and staple it to your tracking sheet before you hand it in.
5. You can eat and drink in my class. Just don't leave a mess! And offer me some of your food if it's yummy.
6. Unless a problem arises, you don't need to ask me permission to go to the washroom, get a drink or take a breather. Just fill out the sheet and give me a nod when you leave and return.
2. All upcoming assignments and tests are listed on the classroom blackboard.
3. To get you relaxed and focused, we start each class with a few minutes of breathing exercises.
4. I don't give out grades on your assignments when I return them. Too often students flip to the grade, skim the comments and rarely reread the paper. This is a rational response as high school is currently structured in a way that equates grades with worth. (This article "The Case Against Grades" explains why this system is problematic.) Stopping at finding out your grade ends the learning process. Getting back an assignment should be part of the learning process. The next step should be to reread your work and my comments, think about the feedback and consider what skills you want to work on for the next assignment. To encourage this process I give each student a tracking sheet at the beginning of the course where you can record my most helpful comments and your own considerations. Once completed, I fill in the grade the assignment received and return it to you. If you have a specific recurring grammar error, I'll also have you complete a relevant exercise from the Grammar dropdown under the Learning Resources tab on this website. You'll need to print this out and staple it to your tracking sheet before you hand it in.
5. You can eat and drink in my class. Just don't leave a mess! And offer me some of your food if it's yummy.
6. Unless a problem arises, you don't need to ask me permission to go to the washroom, get a drink or take a breather. Just fill out the sheet and give me a nod when you leave and return.