The Single- Point Rubric

Hey, if you're anything like me you're always trying new things. Thinking there's a better way. Well, I've been thinking about my grading rubric a lot lately. 

Travelling between two schools, rushing around a lot trying to get prepared for lessons and spending a lot of time on grading.
That's my life! Probably yours too!
So I've been looking for a way to grade better and more efficient. Then I came came across a single point rubric and decided to give it a try.
Here's the low down on the single point rubric. 

The center column lists the Standards. I have five. Two are always the same- Work Habits and Craftsmanship. Three are empty, so I can fill them in to reflect  objectives from each individual lesson. There's also a little box that you can checked off for each Standard that's been reached. 
The right column is for you to make a comment on Standards that have been exceeded. And in the left column there is a space for you to comment on what the concerns are for the work.
I'll be trying this out to see how it goes. I can always reboot if need be.
How about you? Do you want to try out this rubric too? You can check it out and print my pdf here.

An Easy Formative Assesment

Hey, are you looking for an easy way to do a formative assessment in your class? Aren't we all! This might be an idea you can use. Here's what you can do after you introduce a new concept.
This handmade poster is  hung at the front of my classroom.

It's divided into 3 sections. The top section has a smiley face for -I'm OK; the 2nd section has a confused face for- I might need a little help with some things; and the 3rd section has a panicked face for- I totally need help and fast!
After I've taught a concept, I hand each student a sticky note.  The kids put a little blurb on the note for me. They can write things such as- "I'm OK", "I get it", "Review blending", "Go over measurements", "I'm confused", etc. 
They come up and put their sticky notes on the poster in the corresponding section showing me where they think they are in understanding what they've learned. Are they OK, confused or need help fast!

After they put up their sticky note and you get a quick idea of where everybody stands. You can collect the papers and see what needs to be reviewed and who needs some special attention.

It's quick and easy!

What do you think of this formative assessment? Would it work in your classroom? Do you have any easy and effective formative assessments? I'd like to hear about them!

How to Critique- Using the Three R's

After your class has completed an art project you may want to hold an oral critique. It's a great way to talk about art. It helps students to learn how to develop and defend opinions. It also helps students to form judgements about art.

Here's a guide you can follow when you have an oral critique. It’s the Three R’s-

Review-
First review what the objectives of the project are.  Ask the students questions about their artwork to determine if they met the objectives.  You can also ask questions around their own personal objectives concerning the artwork.

Reward-

Next you should richly praise the aspects of the particular artwork that are well done and meet or exceeded the objectives.  Be specific; avoid vague generalities. Consider explaining why the aspect of the artwork is noteworthy. Encourage students to explain what they see (and why) as effective and praiseworthy about the artwork.

Respond-

What do you see- What elements and principles are used. How are they used? Are they used effectively? Could they have been used differently?

What you felt- What emotions do you feel when you look at the art work? Can you empathize with the artist? Are you moved to action? Do you experience anger, happiness, sadness or excitement when you look at the artwork? What do you think the artist is intending to say?

After you have demonstrated the Three R's method, let the students take over and have them run the critique.

Will this work in your classroom? If you have a critique format you use, let me know! I'd love to hear about it.