Ahhh... if you read my class posts you were warned that the 3rd Nine Weeks is CRA-ZY!
But with extra stress and effort comes rewards. Thank you to all the parents who attended our Living Museum. There is nothing that I can do as a teacher with feedback and a grade that matches the satisfaction of presenting to and getting feedback from dozens of adults. It truly made the end product worthwhile. I said to a few parents that I wished (in a way) that we had another writing project right after the first because I'm certain that the student effort and engagement would be greater. Sadly three of our exhibits were ill and didn't get that public affirmation.
This wild week is presented to you by STAAR and Cupid. The students will take the Math and Reading STAAR ready Monday and Tuesday. This is a full simulation in terms of materials and time. The data I collect from the test itself will guide instruction. Unfortunately subject material is not the only challenge for 3rd graders. STAMINA! Your children will sit for four hours each day. Ideally, they use that time to work slowly, focus and double check. Usually when I disaggregate the results, the final third of both the Math and Reading tests have lower results due to fatigue. Students that start out using strategies and showing their thinking begin blind bubbling. This experience will be a reference point in our class discussions about how to be successful testing.
How can you help? Please ensure that kids get a good night's rest before the tests. A healthy (protein more preferable to sugar) breakfast and snack plus water will fuel their bodies. Comfortable clothes with a light jacket (not moving gets kids chilled. Reassure them that you are proud of them for doing their best --- no matter what. Encourage them to show their thinking so that I can help them. Out of necessity, my role will be the bad guy. I will tell them if I noticed them rushing. There is nothing "fun" to rush towards, no prizes for finishing first. The only choices post-testing are to read or put their heads down on their desk. I will (somewhat passive-aggressively refuse to pick up tests that have only answers bubbled and no thinking shown (underlining in reading, computation and labeling in math). It isn't personal, it is experience.
I will share scores as soon as possible. In class we will grade as if 70% is passing. On the actual STAAR test, the passing score may be in fact different. Not passing STAAR at third grade does not in any way affect a student moving to 4th grade. I don't know where that rumor stems from each year. In 5th grade, the STAAR does affect whether a student is required to take the second test administration and possibly summer school. My job is to identify learning gaps now before it can be really stressful for kids.
Wednesday is our class Valentine's Day party. It will be very low key! Thank you to the most generous group of parents who donate the minute the sign up is published! Kids will make a bag in class so that everyone's is the same, exchange Valentines, make a quick craft and play a "minute to win it" type game while enjoying a snack.
Hopefully we get back on track by the end of the week. In math we are revising fractions, this time with a focus on equivalent fractions. We're continuing to look at the Solar System with a focus on the relationship between the Sun, Moon and Earth and the rotation that creates the seasons and revolution that gives us day and night.
Then ... brace yourselves ... the next big 3rd grade project is the Economic Fair. There will be a parent letter explaining the details that will need to be signed by parents. I anticipate that the letter will go home by Friday. That will give families the nice long 4 day weekend to discuss : )
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