How I Finally Stopped Grading Everything (And Survived!)

Confession time: As a third grade teacher in the heart of Chicago, I used to grade every single assignment, worksheet, and exit ticket—yes, even the ones that looked like they’d been through a tornado. My evenings vanished into piles of papers, and my sanity teetered on the edge. 😵 But then, with a baby on the way and my work/life balance in shambles, I realized: not everything needs a grade! Now, I focus on grading only what truly reflects student understanding—major assignments, key quizzes, and the occasional math practice. The rest? I review for participation or spot-check in class. My gradebook is lighter, my evenings are freer, and—ironically—my students are more engaged. Have you found a magical grading shortcut, or do you think I’m missing something crucial? Drop your tips, corrections, or even your grading horror stories below! Let’s build a smarter grading policy together. 🤔✨ (And yes, grad school never warned me about this!) #TeacherLife #GradingHacks #WorkLifeBalance #Education