Spring - testing - The new Synonyms

  Spring has sprung around our house!  We have cleaned out the old stuff that reminds us of winter and now we are opening doors and windows to let that fresh air flow through the house and chase out the winter blahs.  Although our winter was very mild, it was still gray and it is with wonder and thanksgiving that we welcome the greens, pinks, purples, reds, and whites back into our yard.  

Spring is also the time, alas, of testing.  I wish I had great words of wisdom for this time of year but I find myself quite speechless.  I am at my computer trying to write lesson plans knowing that in a few, very short, weeks that is all we will be doing and then my "babies" move on to the next grade, hopefully successful and prepared.  

One of the things I have told my students is that this test is a celebration!  Celebration?  Have I lost my mind?  No!!  My husband told me the story of a teacher he had who never gave tests.  I found that hard to believe, but he assured me he was right.  Instead, he held a celebration day.  Every student got a chance to celebrate their learning...some with pencil and paper, and some in more inventive ways (this was the days when computers took up whole rooms!)  What a GREAT idea!  So, I too have decided that in my classroom we only have celebrations of learning, not tests, and the state tests coming up will just celebrate all that we have learned this school year.  I am hoping this takes the "sting" out of the long, arduous task of testing.

In conclusion, let's celebrate what our students have achieved this year and not stress over what may have been.  Enjoy your spring!  Summer is just around the corner!

Some cool Websites to visit:

Socrative- You don't need one of those kits with the clickers all you need is a computer or I pads and you can do an assessment complete with grading and charts!  Go explore.  I love it!

zooburst - a wonderful site that allows you to create pop-up books.  My fourth graders love this site!  For the basic site it is free, but if you want the full version there is a charge.  It is minimal for teachers - maybe even your Principal will spring for the cost!