This is so exciting...I'm a blogger!  This is a new adventure for me.  I am currently working as an assistant principal in a middle school that serves grades six through eight.  I have previously taught second, third, and fourth grade students for the past eight years.  I enjoy reading blogs to get ideas and learn about what works, and now I can share some of my experiences. 

Let's start with this article I just read about checklists.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/the-power-of-a-checklist-heather-wolpert-gawron

Common Core encourages teachers to use project-based learning in their classrooms, and the teacher in the article uses checklists to help her students stay organized.  As an adult, I make lists everyday...where did I learn to do this?  Honestly, I'm not sure, but I think this is a life skill that would be great to use in our classrooms.  I hear several teachers say that students aren't completing assignments that they should be working on outside of class.  Checklists would be a great way to help students learn to plan and organize their work in order to turn it in on time.  I would begin by modeling with a big class checklist for a certain assignment I want them to complete.  The checklist would be a tool for them to use, and I would have them turn it in with their assignment for additional points. 

What are some ways that you use checklists in your classroom?