Wednesday, May 16, 2012

State Testing

Wow, it's been a long week.  We are just finishing up our IOWA State Testing - The longest test ever! I am very proud of my students for getting through it because I almost felt like I wouldn't survive reading all the directions and everything.  For the most part they are doing well, but for the short timed parts (for example, math computation) they are having difficulty.  Anyone have any tips to speed their time besides taking timed test after timed test? We did try this, but since it was a "state test", I think they wanted to do so well that they took their time (a little too much). 

Regardless, I am proud of them and they will be getting ice cream and mini cupcakes tomorrow from me :) I hate how stressed out kids can get over these things, but I am glad that they will be over tomorrow.  Does anyone else take the IOWA tests?
*What is your favorite way to treat yourself at the end of the week?*

I am excited to say that me and Second Grade is Spendid are going to get mani/pedis tomorrow.. it's been a while since I treated myself, and it is definitely the week to do it!


RSVP!!! All are welcome if you are in the Upstate, NY/Capital Region area!!

I don't know how many people will respond to this, but let me know if there are any units or activities that you are wanting to have created--I have been so exhausted lately, but I want to get back into making TPT/TN creations soon!! All ideas welcomed, and might throw it as a freebie your way ;) Have a great Thursday tomorrow!
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13 comments:

  1. Ms. H.May 17, 2012 at 1:25 AM

    Hi Laura,

    I sooo feel your state testing pain. Although I am not in Iowa, I am in California and we just began state testing this week. We have about 4 days to go. It's so funny that you will be getting a mani/pedi tomorrow. I just posted four lessons I've learned about state tests these last 7 years. One of my suggestion was a mani/pedi!

    As far as math facts, Roll and Write works well (although it's also timed it's not a minute timed test but 5). Hope that helps!
    -Ms. H.
    Live, Love, Laugh in 2nd Grade

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    1. LauraMay 17, 2012 at 12:41 PM

      Hey Ms. H! Great to hear from you :) We are actually from New York, the IOWA tests stands for something and can be used throughout-it tests science, social studies, math, reading, spelling, and other ela skills.

      Thank you for your Roll and Write activity :) I am your newest follower!

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  2. Heather SmithMay 17, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    I'm a regular "blog-stalker" and LOOOVE your blog! I have awarded you the "One Lovely Blog award" head over to my blog to check it out :)

    I love your blog! I have awarded you the "One Lovely Blog Award"

    Head on over to my blog to check it out: ThirdGradeIsAHoot

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  3. AshleeMay 17, 2012 at 4:32 PM

    I'd love for you to make a life cycle unit that covers butterflies, ladybugs, and frogs!

    Aldaniels15@yahoo.com

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    1. LauraMay 17, 2012 at 7:24 PM

      What a great idea! We did this in the beginning of the year, but of course for next year that would be PERFECT (especially with cute bug and frog clipart!) What age group do you have?

      Delete
  4. Amber @ Adventures of a Third Grade TeacherMay 18, 2012 at 11:44 PM

    We had testing this week too, so glad it's over!

    Adventures of a Third Grade Teacher

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  5. Creative TeacheretteMay 19, 2012 at 5:28 AM

    Here in Croatia, where I come from, there are also testing weeks, which actually start on Monday and I know it will be crazy. Thank God there were no such things when I was in school. :) Anyways, I love your blog, thanks for sharing your ideas! :D

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    1. LauraMay 19, 2012 at 1:55 PM

      Thank you for your wonderful comments!!! :) I did have lots of testing when I was in school unfortunately, but it seems to be higher than ever!

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  6. Think, Wonder, and TeachMay 20, 2012 at 11:51 PM

    Thank you for your sweet words Laura. A mani/pedi sounds like the perfect reward after a trying week. I remember the IOWA test from when I was a kid. Arizona replaced it with AIMS and now it is being replaced by PARCC. Sigh... too many tests for me. Testing was completed last month for me... only 4 days left tell summer vacation!

    Misty
    Think, Wonder, & Teach

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  7. AnonymousMay 22, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    Just found your cute blog! I always love finding new third grade teachers! =) I teach third in Alabama. I am your newest follower!

    Ms. Smith
    Adventures of Ms. Smith

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  8. Just Wild About TeachingMay 24, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    love your background so cute...im your newest follower..drop by

    Just Wild About Teaching

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I appreciate all of your comments. Thank you so much for stopping by! :)