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So, what’s up with kids not putting their names on their papers? Is it just kids being kids? Are no name papers just a minor annoyance teachers simply have to deal with? Or is it a bigger deal? Are kids who fail to put their names on their papers not listening? Irresponsible? Apathetic? Or in our effort to meet rigorous standards, manage overcrowded classrooms, and practice trauma-informed teaching, do teachers simply lack the time and energy to enforce good habits?
Maybe you’ve never thought about it. You have your system for handling no name papers, and it works for you. But a lot of teachers have very strong opinions about the right way (and the wrong way) to handle this pesky problem. When it comes to kids not writing their names on their papers, teachers tend to fall into three camps. But don’t worry. No matter which camp you’re in, we’ve got you covered with ideas from Bored Teacher readers.
Clever Strategies to PREVENT No Name Papers
1. Remember it the rhyming way
And it goes something like this…When I get my paper, it’s always the same. The first thing I do is write my name! This might not work for every age group, but it’s definitely a win for elementary teachers.
2. The empty basket award
The opposite of group punishment, some teachers reward classes that maintain an empty no-name basket for an extended period of time. That way, the kids hold each other accountable.
3. Highlight it
Some teachers keep a highlighter by their turn-in basket. Students are expected to highlight their names when they turn in their papers. Simple and effective.
4. Highlight with feeling
This method also requires students to highlight their names but with a color that represents how they are feeling that day. What a great way to monitor students’ mental well-being!
5. Before we begin…
“…raise your pencil in the air if your name is on your paper.”
“…tap your pencil on your desk three times once you’ve written your name.”
“…hold up your thumb if you’ve written your name where it goes.”
All of these techniques give kids a physical cue to help them remember to write their names on their papers. Smart!
Smart Strategies to DEAL with No Name Papers
1. Make an orphaned assignment board (box or folder)
A lot of teachers simply place no-name papers in a specific spot. Once students notice or are informed about a missing assignment, they can search the Orphaned Assignment Spot, adopt their paper, and turn it in. No big deal.
For a catchier version, you can make a Beyoncé Box, with the caption, “If you liked it, then you shoulda put a name on it.”
2. Check-as-you-go
Some teachers look at each paper as they collect them to be sure everyone has written their name on their paper. Effective, but this one is going to tick off some classroom helpers.
3. Sit down and be graded
After collecting assignments, ask all students to stand while you read out the names of everyone who turned in a paper. Kids sit when their name is called. Those left standing either didn’t do it or didn’t put their name on it.
Tough Love Strategies to Handle No Name Papers
Some teachers take the no-name thing a bit more seriously. They have strict policies about this issue, and students have to live with the consequences of not adhering to those policies. Sometimes these teachers get a bad rap for being too hardline. But far from vengeful taskmasters, most care deeply about their students’ futures. They believe that educating is about more than just teaching the standards. It is also about actual life lessons and teaching kids to be accountable. They know that good habits are sometimes hard-won and that some kids have to learn the hard way.
1. Claim it. Name it. Get partial credit.
Sometimes these teachers even have a cute way of “filing” no-name papers. But once the rightful owner steps forward, there are still grade deductions because the assignment wasn’t complete without a name and is therefore late.
2. A do-over
In this case, students who turn in a paper without a name are not given a chance to claim it, but they are allowed to do it over.
3. Zero!
That’s it. It was in the syllabus. No name. No grade. No exceptions. This definitely a tough approach, but likely effective. This strategy may also be referred to as “File 13” or “The Round File,” which is simply code for, “It’s going in the trash.”
When it comes to handling no-name papers, maybe there’s no one right approach. Instead, as they go through school, kids will encounter different teaching styles. Some teachers will be strict about some things. Others will really emphasize something else. And that’s okay because that’s life. And as a teacher, whether you see names on papers as no big deal or an important chance to teach a life lesson, there’s a strategy for you and your kids.
