Out With Red?
Posted by Diane Badden on 08 Oct 2009 | Posted in: Classroom Management, Inspiration and Motivation, Teachers and Teaching
This past summer I gathered a few teaching supplies for my friend, Beth, who was returning to teaching in the fall. Beth expected (and received) assorted publications from The Mailbox® Books. What she didn’t expect was a jumbo pack of fine-tipped markers. The pack included a marker for every color of the rainbow, plus plenty of other pretty colors. I was extremely excited about the markers. Beth, on the other hand, was puzzled by why I had chosen fine tips. When I explained that the markers were for grading papers, all she said was something like, “Oh.” After a bit of random chatter, I realized that Beth was planning to use red ink to grade her students’ work. I know it’s a weird thing, but I never used red ink when grading student papers. To me, red ink shouts, “You are wrong!” Other colors seem less judgmental and harsh. Anyway, before I left that afternoon, I teased Beth by chanting, “Out with red; use pink instead!” She laughed, called me her kooky friend, and told me to go home.
This past weekend I heard from Beth for the first time since school started. As you can imagine, she’s feeling quite overwhelmed. At the same time, she is happy to be teaching again. And, by the way, she wanted to let me know that during October she’s using orange and purple markers to grade her students’ papers!
So now I’m curious. Do you prefer to use red ink for grading papers, or do you enjoy using a variety of colors? Do you think one approach has advantages over the other? Please share!
Happy October!
Diane
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31 Responses to “Out With Red?”
More Comments Pages: [1] 2 3 » Show All Comments
More Comments Pages: [1] 2 3 » Show All Comments
I like to use markers, stampers with various colored stamp pads, stickers, whatever makes it interesting to the students! I like to draw figures for the seasons and holidays, too. For example, for Halloween, I draw a smiling jack-o-lantern or other picture. For St. Patrick’s Day, I might make a smiling shamrock! I like to use the appropriate color markers for them, too. I teach a kindergarten class so to them I’m a “great” artist. Thanks for the ideas!
I’m with you. I have taught 5th grade through 2nd grade and have never used red to grade with. My preference is purple, but I do change it up. I am currently teaching Pre-school age children and do not grade papers but would still not use red if I did.
I love using all different colors of markers. The children enjoy the variety and I usually use a color associated with the month(season). The kids love the smelly markers, probably about as well as stickers!
Sorry if this is not a popular opinion, BUT, as a parent, red stands out and makes it easier to find out what needs to be looked at - especially if that is what we grew up with. Truly, it is all in how it is presented and handled, not the color it is corrected in. I have three children, one successfully in college, and none have suffered because of a paper corrected with a red pen. I do love the idea of using other colors to keep the kids interested, but, please don’t stop using red because it might hurt the kid’s self-esteem or feelings.
P.S. I teach preschool, so there aren’t any wrong answers at this age!
In the first weeks of school last year my aide, a 25 year old man, asked if I needed him to correct. Delighted I said of course! However, when I noticed him sifting through the markers for a red one I had a slow motion run and dive to the bin to make sure a non-red marker was used. He was perplexed by this saying…why if its wrong you use red and make and “x”. NOooooooooooooo I replied just circle it no “X’s.” A bit perplexed he obliged. He continues to find it amusing to torment me with red!
I use whatever color goes along with the month…like many of the others do - orange, yellow, and black for October… The color that I use MOST often is purple, since it is my favorite.
Many years ago, when we had to write our grades on report cards - I was teaching 3rd at the time - I used purple the first quarter, pink the 2nd, and was going to use purple the 3rd…you know - make a pattern! Well, the principal didn’t like it too well and I had to use BLACK! YUCK!
I use crayola fine point markers and never do I use red. I use every color but red. The kids love the different colors!
I agree. We were taught in college NOT to use red for the same reasons. I prefer any color that will stand out (green, blue, purple). I try not to use ink pens at all.
I prefer sparkly gel pens! Especially pink and purple.
I don’t use red very much. Purple and green are my favorite colors to use. I don’t use markers that smell because I don’t want children to get into the habit of “sniffing”. I’m afraid it will lead to sniffing bad things later in life.
Colors don’t hurt(wrong problems or spelling) as much when they are different. I have always used different colors when grading papers. I figure I will save the red for the junior and high school teachers. When students grade their own paper (I never exchange) I always use blue or purple, then I go back and do a quick recheck. The different color choice is really my decision!
I change up the colors and stickers every month. For example, I use orange, black, and purple markers in October.