Remembering to put out and collect absent student work can certainly be an extra thing teachers don’t always remember to do when they have 1,345 other items to worry about in any given school day.
So this is one of the classroom systems that is better when it has been thought about already and there’s a plan in place for managing the missed work and getting assignments back in a timely manner.
Any time I have something I know I will be doing more than once, I try to devise a system for it.
Why?
It helps to streamline classroom routines and helps me to remember whether I have done it or not – ha!
I remember as a new teacher sitting down to do grades my first time through and then promptly realizing how many grades I was missing because some students didn’t turn in their makeup work!
It was definitely my error in not following through, but I knew right away I was going to need a plan ASAP to remedy how I would keep track of students who were missing and how to get the work returned in a timely manner.
Best Makeup Work Folders
Some teachers prefer to have a folder with resources to manage the organization of the missing work. If it’s all in one spot, it’s much easier to keep track of. Especially if the folder is a bright color that is hard to miss.
Check out some different examples below:
A hanging wall file works perfect for filing all the extra handouts you have from the week.
How cute is this free editable custom work folder cover? Love it!
Another option is to place plastic pockets along the wall of the classroom, which have student numbers on them. This can serve for a great spot for an absent student to pick up his or her work upon returning.
A brightly colored laminated file folder works great for notifying parents of make up work.
Middle schoolers can have a makeup work area that’s always available for picking up their own work. A great way to teach student responsibility.
Adorable “ketchup” work folder!
Hang a folder on the back of each student desk. This can serve as a mailbox and a perfect spot to gather missing work to send home.
Assignment Sheet Slips to Track Missing Work
Need a worksheet to make sure the student’s work is all together and has been documented? Check out some good options I have found in various places.
A super straightforward option to use where you write in the missing assignment.
A spot for everything, including what was done during group teaching lessons.
Love how this folder cover even has a date that the work needs to be returned. Makes it easier for caregivers to know when it’s due as well.
A snap to fill in and a snap for students to understand what was done in each class.
This pdf is a little more involved, but definitely gives a clear view of everything that was covered on the day that was missed.
Lots of learning reminders on this form too…
More Strategies for Managing Assignments from Absent Students
And today, we have a BONUS! Earlier in the morning, I noticed another topic that took off on it’s own on our Facebook Page.
From a fellow fan Tina: “Help! I have been teaching 11 years and still have not found a fool proof way to get work out to students who have been absent and DOCUMENT that they have received it so that they don’t come back later and say they never got it… AND get it back in a timely manner… Any suggestions?”
Well, in true OC Blog style, the fans came through once again and gave Tina all sorts of suggestions!
In particular, I like to use a folder to place the absent work in as I am passing out papers throughout the day so I don’t forget. I have even been known to just place the Absent Folder on the missing child’s desk and have someone sitting nearby place the papers in the folder as they are being handed out. At the end of the Bonus e-book, I created a simple template if you wish to do the same.
Grab yours below!
What are your best tips for managing absent student work? We would love to hear them in the comments below!
~Charity
This post originally appeared at Organized Classroom.
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