Sometimes it is the most basic of things that we struggle to instill in the minds of our students. Standard classroom rules and routines are just as difficult to develop. It may seem as if that kid and that kid and definitely that kid will forever be causing you to pull your hair out.
This time of year a standard request as simple as how to name and label papers can seem like a Herculean task for your students. Will the name appear at the top? The correct date in the correct format? The teacher’s name? Please, spell it correctly! In September, each new paper coming across a teacher’s desk feels like a new adventure.
Of course, it is a new adventure and we know these simple tasks will quickly be mastered. Still, those early days can feel like an eternity spent reminding each and every student that it’s their name on the top line, the subject area second, your name next (spelled correctly!), and then the date (month, date, comma, year).
What simple task are you most surprised that your students struggle with?