Homeschool co-op fair: judging with codes, not names
Give every table a code, let each judge score on their own phone on a 5-row rubric out of 20, and the tally averages the judges and places each age band. It runs on your device; no child's name and no score is sent.
Co-op fair 0.4.0 · kept in this browser · nothing about your children is stored by us
The fair night, step by step
- Codes. Pick a letter for each age band and how many tables each, then print the key and write each child's first name beside their code. The key stays on paper with you; the tally only ever sees the codes.
- Judges. Parents or visiting grown-ups scan their own QR code with their phone's camera. It opens a judge card already set up for this fair. They tap a code, tap 1 to 4 on each row, and pick one line for the child if they like.
- Gathering the scores. At the end each judge sends their file (AirDrop, a message: their choice) and you open it here, or they show you their lines and you type them in.
- Places, or none. Each table's place is the average of the judges who scored it, within its age band; a tie shares the place. A co-op that would rather not rank can print every certificate as “taking part” and keep the judges' lines as feedback.
- Paper and the end. Print the results by age band, certificates with the code (you write the name), and ribbons. Then clear everything from the device. Save a file first if you want the numbers next year.
The rubric on the judge card
| Row | 4 looks like | 1 looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Question or idea | A clear question or aim, in the child's own words | No question or aim yet |
| What they did | The steps are shown, and someone could follow them | The steps are not shown |
| What they learned | Says what they found out and why it matters | No finding said yet |
| Showing it | The table and the talk are clear and easy to follow | Hard to follow |
| Care | Careful, finished work they can explain | Not finished yet |
The lines a judge can leave for the child: “A great question, and you went after it”, “You explained it in your own words”, “Your display was clear and tidy”, “You showed every step”, “Next time: say what you found out first”, “Next time: show how you got your answer”, “Next time: label your pictures and charts”.
What stays private
Children are codes here, never names: there is no name box. The tally lives in this browser, each judge's scores on their own phone, and the judge card's link carries the codes after the #, which a browser never sends.
Running the co-op too? The sign-up sheet, roster and volunteer hours and the blank waiver template print from the same kit.