Eric Baylin's
Songs to Brighten
A Teacher's Day

About ten years ago, I heard other teachers talking about rubrics, a word that had never been a part of my vocabulary.Id never even heard of rubrics; I wondered where Id been. But now Im a full blown convert. Give me a rubric any day to clarify my otherwise hazy grading system.

And what about rubrics for the other areas of our lives -- for scoring dinner, conversations, subway rides. Rubrics can be such fun. Lets sing.

Always, sometimes, rarely, never,
Somewhat boring, somewhat clever,
Lousy, OK, finest ever,
Rubrics are such fun.

Lacking even one essential,
Shows some promise, has potential,
Positively presidential,
Rubrics are such fun.

Ill at ease and often fretting,
Fairly skilled in social settings,
Extrovert, a hit at weddings,
Rubrics are such fun.

Spineless, somewhat brave, courageous,
Healthy, barely fit, contagious,
Peaceful, agitated, rages,
Rubrics are such fun.

Graceful, mildly awkward, stumbles,
Eloquent, routinely mumbles,
Strong, uncertain, usually crumbles,
Rubrics are such fun.

If you choose to use a rubric,
You may find that it will lubric-
ate the grading, make it so quick.
Rubrics are such fun.

Five little, four little, three little, two bricks,
Very few words rhyme with rubrics;
Takes some thinking and a few tricks.
Rubrics are such fun.

Rate this song: especially clever,
Mildly funny, worst one ever.
Any chance to use a rubric
Makes your life more fun.

Song lyrics Copyright© 2007 Eric Baylin