| “We have a pep assembly for the third and fourth graders a couple of days before standardized testing starts. Two teachers pretend they are cheerleaders and shake pompoms as they give a 'pep' talk about doing a good job on the tests, getting a good night's rest, etc. We have three teachers sit in desks and pretend to be examples of how not to take the test. One keeps turning around and bothering his neighbor, one cries, and one is not paying attention to directions. Another teacher is showing the 'right' way to take the test. Breakfast is provided for students, teachers and classroom helpers on testing mornings. We also borrow an archway from the local hardware store and put Christmas lights on it with a sign that says, 'Entering Testing Zone'. We set it up in the hallway that leads to the third and fourth grade rooms. The lights are on whenever we are testing.” | Test Chant | | From Kathy Gaji, a third grade teacher at Brookside Elementary in Binghamton, New York | | “I have a chant that we do before we take a test, whether one of the state tests or a weekly spelling test, to relax my students. It's a little silly, but the kids do ask for it if I forget:We're going to take a test [clap, clap]We're going to do our best [clap, clap]We'll do the ones we knowAnd we'll try on the rest [clap, clap].We'll work very carefully [hold up one finger, preparing to count to three]We'll work very thoughtfully [hold up another finger]We'll work very neatly [hold up a third finger]And then we'll be THROUGH [say with emphasis, cross hands in front of you and pull them apart and down].We're going to take a test (clap, clap]We're going to do our best (clap, clap]We'll do the ones we knowAnd we'll try on the rest [clap, clap].[chant softly and fade away]We won't hurry.We won't worry.We won't hurry.We won't worry...” Source: Published by the National Education Association, 1201 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. http://www.nea.org/tools/31978.htmWorks4Me Weekly News Ideas and tips by teachers, for teachers More Resources: http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/ | |
