Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3, Testing

Every year at testing time, I have to remind myself to "dial it back", that "this is just one measure of how the students are doing", and "that in 20 years the FBI isn't going to come back and ask me how Sally Johnson did on her CST". It is so frustrating to put the students through six days, yes SIX DAYS, of testing--especially when they miss the EASY questions on the test, questions that were practiced many, many times during class. Again, I have to remind myself to take a deep breath, remind myself they are still babies, and that the test is not a accurate reflection of how much the students have actually learned.

The students were so thrilled when testing finished. We put our desks in groups, for the first time this school year. For the first time, they didn't have to hear me say, "This will be on the CST" or "You need to know this for the CST". We could finally relax, enjoy each other, and dare I say it, ENJOY LEARNING! (I do try to make learning enjoyable during the rest of the school year, but test season just seems to bring out the "ugly" in all of us!)
TGTIO (Thank Goodness Testing Is Over!).

Fun with Money!

This is a great packet to supplement your instruction on money. Included in the packet are worksheets, games, activities, posters, and a 20 question standardized test practice.

Daily Language Checks #121-150

The latest packet of Daily Language Checks is now available! There are 30 more worksheets with engaging and interesting topics. Each worksheets has five questions--one for each cluster on the CST. An answer key is included.

CST Math Standardized Test Practice #2

Just in time for those high stakes tests that are quickly approaching! This fabulous packet has an answer key, standards matrix, and a 40 question test packet for the students.

CST ELA Test Practice #3 for 2nd Grade

This is a great, 20 page packet! It includes 40 questions on 17 state standards for 2nd grade. An answer key and matrix of standards are provided.

What's a Mom to Do?

It's hard enough being a working mom, but try being a working mom to two lazy English Bulldogs! All three of us are overweight. Just the thought of trying to walk my two girls, Bea Bea and Gracie, is enough to put me in the hospital for the week. Bea Bea is blind and won't walk in public--perfectly understandable. So, I have three different strollers for her. Gracie won't walk without Bea Bea, and won't walk on a leash. Trying to push a stroller and hold onto a leash, and keep Gracie from wrapping the leash around the wheels of the stroller, and trying to keep Gracie from getting run over by the stroller--well, you begin to get the picture. After walking the girls for about 10 minutes, I require about a 4 hour nap!

Fun with Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Words

This is a great mini-unit for teaching prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Included in this unit are 5 SMART Board lessons and 8 activities (game, cut-and-paste, sorting).