Being a stickler

Don’t tell my students, but I’m pretty easy-going about things.

I mean, I recognize that things don’t need to be perfect in order for learning to happen. Learning is, as they say, sometimes messy.

But, as the teacher of a group of students heading into adolescence, I realize how important it is that I shape their habit bodies. The urge to skimp and “get by” will hit them soon enough. Best that they get into the habit now, while they still have such goodwill.

With this in mind, beginning last week I instituted an evaluation system on their homework. From now on, in addition to my comments, their homework will receive either a check, check-plus or a check-minus.

Last week on Monday I handed out a sheet that gave the guidelines for each mark, and they weren’t easy. A check-plus has no spelling mistakes, the page isn’t crumpled or stained, everything is thoroughly done, in cursive and drawings are in complete color.

I’m pleased to say that today I returned 12 check-plus papers.

I’m developing a reputation for being a stickler.

I like it.