There simply are no words to express the depth and extent of my pride for my class today. We are taking our Communication Arts (Reading) State (MAP) test this week. My students were anxious and a nervous mess yesterday when we started. This is in part due to the increasing emphasis that is placed on this high stakes test. With a pep talk and some extra reassurance from me...we began. Day 1 went well. Students worked hard, completed their work in an efficient time frame and felt confidant about their answers. Day 2 involved 2 timed sections. While we have practiced all of the content related skills, I have to say I was a bit negligant in having them practice taking a test against the clock. This left me apprehensive at best. The day started with another pep talk and the following poem.
Moving Up
Teach me to walk and I will run
Teach me to look and I will see
Teacher me to hear and I will listen
Teacher me to sing and I will rejoice
For your instructions are important to my mind
And your shared experiences I will keep
What I have learned I will treasure
and by learning to fly
I will SOAR!
Students felt inspired and motivated to work. Several even commented on what the poem meant to them. My students did incredibly well on this portion of the test today. All the hard work, intense conversations, and late nights of planning have paid off. My heart is full of pride, I am encouraged and can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring with the next section of the test!
Yeah!! I'm so glad your students are encouraged and inspired! Way to go Brookelyn!! Now... if we could just get them to keep their hands to themselves.... :)
ReplyDelete