The Brown Bag Teacher

Teach the Children. Love the Children. Change the World.

Students Monitoring Their Own Learning

Hi, friends! Happy Weekend. 🙂 Today I am joining with 150 amazing teacher-bloggers to bring you simple and promotion-free ideas for your classroom. 
Today I’ll be sharing about a way I include self-assessment into each of our lessons. One of the great things about fifth graders is that they are ridiculously honest about their learning. If they don’t know something, they’ll definitely let me know. If they have mastered something, they’ll let the WHOLE class know…promise 😉
We use a 1-4 scale to gauge our learning. Below is an anchor chart we created that hangs on our wall. We quickly reference this chart before we turn in any exit slip or activity.  

Most things in 5th grade seem to work on a 4 point scale, so for my classroom it made sense to make our scale a range of 4 numbers. If you prefer a 3 or 5-number scale, go for it! After completing an activity or exit slip, students know to read our I-Can statement and then, consider how/if they’ve mastered the standards.

At the bottom of each activity or exit slip, students record a 1 – 4 number grid in the bottom corner of their paper and circle where they feel are in the learning process! It’s a quick process and gives me great insight about the confidence levels of my friends. Using the number grid also tells students they are responsible for their own learning and they know they’re being held accountable.

A 1 means that we have just introduced a brand-new topic or they are completely overwhelmed with the content. When students score themselves a 1, they are asking to be in a re-teach group during literacy centers or before school. 2s are reserved for beginning skills that still need a little more practice with a teacher or a peer. 3s are students who are comfortable with the content, can work intedependently, and are ready to be pushed. 4s are our highest level of mastery. My 4s are often partnered with 2s during Rally Coach to practice and teach!

So, there you go! A number grid is a quick and easy way to get the pulse of learning in the classroom, and it keeps students thinking about their learning. So, tell me, how do you help students monitor their learning? I would love to hear your ideas!

Also, if you enjoyed this idea, I’d love for you to connect with me on Facebook or Instagram where I share loads of pictures each week! Now, to read about dozens of other ready-to-use classroom ideas, check the link-up below! Happy reading, friends. 🙂

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Comments

  2. Kelly says

    April 12, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    I love your anchor chart for scales. We use Marzano scales at our school and I love the way this one looks! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

  5. primary practice says

    April 12, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    I love this, and the bright colors of your anchor chart. I currently a Levels of Understanding chart and recording sheet I created for "Heads Down, Hands Up" quick self-assessment. I like the way you have your students draw the grid on exit slips-I will definitely incorporate this idea!

    Reply

  6. Kristen says

    April 12, 2014 at 7:17 pm

    I love this! I have tried some different ways of self monitoring but never thought of using 1-4…and we use that for so many other scales in class so it would work in well. Thanks Catherine!!

    Reply

  8. Tara says

    April 12, 2014 at 11:16 pm

    We use the scales with our Check Your Understanding chart but I never thought to have them add the number on their work. Brilliant!!! Thanks for sharing:) Will be adding this to what's left of this year and starting it next year for sure:)

    4th Grade Frolics

    Reply

  9. Susan Kelleher says

    April 13, 2014 at 12:32 pm

    I use numbers 1-3 on a target in my classroom, but I really like the number 4 as I'm a Pro and can teach others! I'm going to add that to my exit slips! Thanks for sharing!

    Susan
    Passioninportableland

    Reply

    • Kate says

      April 27, 2014 at 3:40 am

      Oh, Sara, I would LOVE to teach with you. You collect student data like a boss in really inventive ways…this is my weakness. This summer I need to do some serious blog stalking! 🙂 If you want to move to Kentucky this summer, we're hiring another 5th grade reading teacher 😉

      Reply

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