Can You Guess?

Can you guess what my friends will be doing next week?

The #2s are sharp. . .

The bulletin boards are bare. . .

Anything left up is covered. . .

The carpets are rolled up. . .

So that we can put the desks in rows. . .

Yes, we are testing next week! 

I wonder what gave it away!

My friends are taking the NJ ASK next week.  That would be the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge.  My friends are well prepared.  And to be honest, at this point, I've done all I can do!  I really didn't spend a lot of time on "prep" this year.  We did do a lot of math review this week, but nothing insane.  I try to be very conscious of test prep all year long and integrate it in my lessons so it isn't this crazy thing we do right before testing. 

I've got them pretty pumped up to show Bob Oshkabosh what they know!  Who is Bob Oshkabosh you ask?  Why, he is the man who grades their tests.  Okay, obviously not really but that's the name I use every year.   I will often ask them what Bob Oshkabosh would think of something, or what grade do you think Bob Oshkabosh would give this.  By the time the test rolls around, they are eager to show Bob Oshkabosh just how smart they are.  (Have I just told you a cute story about my class or given you a glimpse of my craziness? :-D )  Either way, next week we will be showing Bob Oshkabosh a thing or two!  Hopefully!

From a teacher's perspective, I am looking forward to next week for a variety of reasons.  No lesson plans, no homework, no instruction,  no kidding!!  We have a very nice schedule during testing and are allowed to plan fun activities for the remainder of the day.  That doesn't mean I won't be working.  What it really means is that I may just have a chance to catch-up on grading, paperwork, and all the other things of teaching that we are never able to get caught up on. 

On another note, I got a request in the comments about homework.  The reader wanted to know what I give for homework, my policy, etc.  I will be posting about this over the weekend.  I think it deserves its very own post because I have very strong opinions about it!

See you next post!