Zeros in my GradeBook

Canvas has a lot of cool assignment options, one of which is the essay.  After a student submits an essay assignment, the gradebook registers the grade as a ZERO until the assignment is graded by the instructor. Students IMMEDIATELY freak out, and hit the panic button!

To prevent this scenario, instructors should MUTE essay-based assignments.  Muting an assignment hides the grade (uh...zero), and also prevents notifications regarding the assignment from being sent to the student. To MUTE an assignment, (1) click the Blue Drop-down arrow for the assignment in gradebook...

Then select MUTE ASSIGNMENT

Once the teacher has graded the essay assignment(s), then they can UNMUTE the assignment, which displays the grade and enabled notifications. Here is the office Instructure Guide... Muting Assignments