A Lesson Learned

Well, today I learned the value of reading carefully and finding and following rubrics. I learned how discouraging it is to believe that you have done a good job, only to find that your job was (barely!) adequate. I immediately thought of the all the times I have heard from students, "But, Mrs. Ellis! I didn't know I needed to do that...or this...or have this many references." I almost took cruel pleasure in replying, "But, it is your responsibility to read the assignment, or follow directions." So, now the shoe is on the other foot. I didn't read my assignment thoroughly and I never saw the rubric. The lesson? Always, always give a rubric and go over it (I'm in elementary, cut them some slack!). And, give written instructions for all projects and encourage them to be read and re-read. Being a student means learning...even if it is the hard way.