My report card comment deadline is imminent.

Instead of focusing in and writing them, I’ve been ruminating a lot regarding the things that help me survive through this harrowing time. I figured I would share. But before I begin I want to say that the very act of writing this blog post is breaking the first recommendation I’m going to make. So, take or leave any of the following.

1. Don’t procrastinate.
   Start early! The earlier you start, the happier you will be. Or at least that’s what I tell myself after every round of report cards. That being said, this time I started early, but I lollygagged due to lack of urgency. You see, I went to a self-directed high school where due dates weren’t really a thing until the end of a semester or year. I got really good at working under pressure. Even though I didn’t really procrastinate this time, I’m still going to end up doing the majority of my work last minute. And yes, writing this blog post is an act of procrastination. But at least I’m thinking about my reports while writing it. Right?

Made with decentmemes!

1. Take care of yourself.
   Remember to shower, sleep, and eat well. Nobody likes a stinky, tired, hangry teacher. Also, I’m fairly sure that half of our staff is away sick today. I’ve been ingesting beyond the recommended amount of vitamin C. No regrets.

2. Make a template.
   I work in a senior school. I’m not sure how elementary teachers do their reports, and I’m sure it differs between schools. My administration likes reports to encompass what the student has been learning, what they do well, and ways to move forward. I find if I make some kind of template before I begin extremely helpful. This does NOT mean that each of my student’s comments is the same, but it helps me in that I know I have a structure to my writing. This makes me more proficient, and when you’re a procrastinator like me, last minute proficiency is key.

3. Keep notes.
   This needs to begin in the beginning. Keep short notes on each of the projects you give. Make them easily accessible and well organized. You will love yourself.

4. Have a peer edit your writing.
   You can stare at your writing for hours and never notice the minor errors. Don’t do this. Don’t stare at your writing for hours.

5. Use a thesaurus.
   Synonyms and antonyms are your friends!

6. Know what conditions you work best in.
   I like to put formulaic television on (example: Zumbo’s Just Desserts on Netflix), or listen to Harry Potter techno. I also enjoy wearing my pajamas, which is frowned upon in a school atmosphere. This means I would rather go home than stay late at the school. Some people sit at their desk until they finish. This works for them! Find what works for you.

7. Be honest with your students.
   This may not be something you’re interested in, but I like to be completely honest with my students with what I’m working on. I will say things like, “I’ve finished marking your magazine article assignment and now I’m moving onto your report comments.” I find that being transparent with them actually helps me, and they’re actually pretty understanding.

8. Refer back to past reports.
   Kids have similar behaviours to other kids. Don’t reinvent the wheel. If you’re stuck with writers block, look at what you said about last year’s classes.

9. Celebrate! But only after reports are done.
   Give yourself a pat on the back! Eat a treat! Hang out with people you like! Go dancing! Be free! Or just like… go to sleep because you’re already in your pajamas.

That’s it, for now. I really do need to get back at it. I’ve done 2.5 classes, meaning I’m halfway there. My fingers are a-flying! My thoughts are a-firing! I am a comment writing machine!

If you’re interested in reading some of my other thoughts on teaching, check out my previous writing!

KP’s Teacher Tales #6: To Hell With Homework?

KP’s Teacher Tales #5: And the Project That Shall Not Be Named