It does. I know it does.
Even when I was little, I LOVED test week. I got excited about my number two pencils. I got excited about filling in the circles. I got excited about seeing the teacher mark the start and finish times on the board. I got excited about all of it. Mostly I got excited about showing myself how much I had learned.
I was such a nerd...
I still am. I still love test week. I love getting pencils sharpened for my two boys. I love filling out their student information pages. I love writing the start and finish times on the board. I love all of it. Mostly I love seeing how much my boys have learned.
See. I'm still a nerd.
And the funny thing is... I've passed it onto my boys. They love test week too.
I guess they're nerds too.
...
So... I was bit perplexed when a friend of mine texted me yesterday morning. This week is test week at her homeschool. Her text said, and I quote...
"Let me tell you, I HATE testing. My daughter has already cried this morning and I felt completely helpless. Arg."
We texted back and forth for a little while. She was venting. I was attempting to cheer her up.
I later received another text from her...
"I need some words of encouragement. I'm about to cry."
My poor friend. This is her first year testing. I tried to cheer her up using Abilene's famous words...
"You is good. You is smart. You is important."
(That's a quote from The Help. If you haven't read that book, you should. Or at least watch the movie. It's awesome.)
...
My kids have never cried during test week. And I have never wanted to cry during test week.
Yes, it could be because we are total nerds.
But, just in case that's not it, and I'm actually doing something that might be helpful for others to know, here is what I do to insure Test Week is a positive experience at Chapel Hill Academy.
1. I always test in April.
I test right after Easter break. That way we are refreshed. We are nowhere close to being burned out. It makes for a good week.
2. I tell my boys the test is not for them, but for me.
I tell my boys, ages 8 & 10, this test is not about them. It's about me. I explain that their test scores will show me what I have taught well, and what I haven't taught well. I tell them if they do not know the answers, not to worry about it. It will show me what subject matter we still need to focus on. These tests show my strengths and weaknesses as a teacher. This is good for me to know.
3. I don't make a big deal about the tests.
I don't act like the fact that we are testing is all that important. I don't spend weeks ahead of time preparing for the test. This way it seems as though we are simply taking a break from our normal homeschool days to "see how Mommy is doing as a teacher".
4. I don't do any other homeschooling during test week.
I'm sure the reason my boys like test week is because our homeschool days end up being much shorter. Testing only takes two to three hours each day. That leaves a lot of time for play.
5. I always do a pre-test on day one of testing.
We use the Terra Nova standardized test. (I get them from Bayside School Services - http://baysideschoolservices.com/.) This test comes with a pre-test. We always start with this on Monday. It's quick and easy. I find that is a good way to start off the week. They complete day one of testing on a positive note with a good feeling, and then they get to play.
6. On the last day of testing, we always do something extra fun.
My first year of homeschooling, my oldest son was the only one testing. When we finished our last test section, I let him pick a special place for lunch - just the two of us. He picked Waffle House. He is sooo my child. And I let him pick songs on the jukebox. He played all Rascal Flatts. My child, for sure! Last year, we stayed overnight in a hotel. This year, I scheduled a field trip at the Lazy 5 Ranch.
...
Don't get me wrong. I don't breeze through Test Week without any stress. There are many aspects of testing that stir up nervousness in my mind, and in my stomach. Here are some thoughts that run through my head as I try to look over their shoulders while they're taking their tests...
- I know he knows the right answer. BUT he marked the wrong answer.
- We haven't studied that yet!
- Is he supposed to know that?
- I don't even know the answer to that.
- I'm gonna have to google that one.
- I want to help you.
- I wish I could help you.
- I'm sorry I can't help you.
I think the hardest part of test week is not being able to help your child get to the right answer. This is when I have to remind myself... (and this is exactly what I told my friend yesterday)
" ...it doesn't matter if they do good or bad. All they have to do is take the test. So everyone take a deep breath. Smile. Pray. And know that this will all be over soon."
I know it's different in public school. EOG scores matter. But in homeschool, the only one affected by your final score is you - the teacher. If your child doesn't score well, you just teach it again. It's simple as that.
...
I got our test scores back last Friday. As I scanned the pages, I was full of relief and and overcome with joy.
My boys are nerds. And it turns out they have a very good teacher. :)
...
Seeds of Faith (inspired by Elisha Skeen)
Just hearing the word "test" sparks anxiety and fear in the minds of many teachers and students. Here are some Bible verses to help you get through Test Week.
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Psalm 56:3
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Proverbs 19:8
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
And my personal favorite...
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
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