Today we had our second day of our second round of state-mandated testing. This test is called I-READ and it's designed as an assessment that will show that our 3rd graders are reading and comprehending on grade level. This test is comprised of phonics and comprehension portions.
This test was NOT our best hour—although my students all read at or above grade level, and they seemed to take their time while testing, reading carefully and searching for text evidence in the various passages. No, our BEST HOUR was the first hour in our day today. We didn't test right away and were able to spend the first hour working on some projects we started yesterday on day one of our testing. Today we took time to write, color, cut, glue, and create. It was absolutely a wonderfully calm and productive start to our day. The students talked in groups while they worked, giving me insight to little slices of their day or week or thinking. Honestly, I wish I had videoed them, it was that sweet. Why don't we take time for this on a regular basis? (Oh, yes, refer to paragraph one....) Why do we generally save this for the end of the day when they are antsy little clock-watchers, putting to use their elapsed time skills as they try to determine how much of the school day is left before they should "remind" me that it's time to pack up? Creating, conversing—and yes, even coloring, cutting and gluing—this is a slice I want to repeat! I sat to the side and answered questions when needed, laughed with them when they came to show me something clever they'd written, located specific colors of markers or a lost glue stick lid, spelled the occasional word, and just soaked it in...relishing in the way they helped each other, basking in the glow of their sweet conversations, wanting it to never end!
4 Comments
3/15/2017 07:01:01 pm
You should have them do passion projects! I did them for two years in 3rd grade (once/twice week during April & May), and kids investigated something that interested them. At the end we had an event and invited parents to view their posters / slideshows / videos / dioramas. Such a blast!
Reply
Lisa L2L4L
3/15/2017 07:33:14 pm
Yes, that's something I've dreamed of doing! We tried two years ago but the state tests changed that year (and last year, and again this year), so we just found our time totally eaten up with testing and prep. NOT the way I teach, for sure! We're hoping to be one-to-one next year so the technology part won't be as much of an issue. I shall remember to tap into your wisdom and experience, Katie!
Reply
3/15/2017 08:33:09 pm
We, too, are in the middle of state testing and I have visited so many classrooms where the students are partaking in creative projects and teaming with classmates using STEM to create. I love this part of their day, especially as I see the faces drop at the thought of the dreaded tests.
Reply
Vanessa Worrell
3/16/2017 01:46:10 am
3rd grade is one of my favorite grades. They get so excited about projects and are so ready to learn. Good for you for spending time on something relaxing and important before testing.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
just...meA wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, lifelong learner, educator Archives
April 2020
Categories
All
|