This is the sixth in a series of posts (1: What They’ll Know   2: Product Choice & Grading, 3: Content Expectations & Grading, 4: Process & Grading, 5: Scaffolds, 6: Differentiation)about creating powerful product assignments at the end of a unit of study. Now it is put it all together and go!

Okay, so by now you should have a good idea of what the students should understand, know and be able to do at the end of a unit of study. You know your grading expectations for the process, content inclusion and final product. You have a plan of how you are going to differentiate. Now you need to write up the assignment for the students using clear and concise grade level appropriate language. Make sure to include all the items that will be graded on the rubric, a copy of the rubric and a timeline/calendar for progress due dates/check-ins. Talk about the format, format choices or format selection/approval process.

If possible, have someone else read the assignment before giving it to students be it a fellow teacher, friend or even just one of the students. Give them a chance to read it, ask questions and figure out if you need to go back and clarify before presenting it to the masses. That second pair of eyes helps to catch any flaws you are overlooking because you have been staring at it for so long or you know the answer in your head.