April 7, 2013

TESTING week & My Motivational Song

Remember when Ke$ha's pop song, Tik Tok, was always on the radio a few years back?  Well 4 years ago, I took the extra time over the Easter holiday to create my own Arizona TESTING WEEK lyrics, and out popped my rendition I like to call: Tik Tok (AIMS remix.)  Since then, it's been played on morning announcements, used at our AIMS testing pep rally, and sung as an extra boost of confidence/testing tips to help relieve student anxiety!  With the over-tested student population we have in this country, I try my best to make it seem less daunting with this uplifting little song {complete with gestures, of course!!}

There's also some other great ones out there, one of which being "Bubble It" sung to the tune of The Black-Eyed Peas' "Dirty Bit."

Within the lyrics, I have stressed "showing work is what we do" because I make it mandatory for the kids to show me their work regardless of the subject being tested on.  How do you show work in reading?  Well, it's quite simple since we've practiced since the beginning of the year by circling our evidence within the reading passage - i.e. where they found the supporting proof that the answer they chose is correct.

There are only FIVE school days left until AIMS testing arrives, which means homework packets this week require students to practice singing our AIMS song three times a night, sharing their 8 tried-and-true test strategies with a family member and any other last-minute prep material to reinforce tricky concepts.
Is McDonald's still offering free breakfast to students who take the AIMS test this year?? My kiddos always love this freebie meal only given to the champs about to test for an entire week - which means their younger siblings don't get to relish in this experience.  Each year they always RAVE about the apple dippers!!

GIVEAWAY hungry?  Skip on over to another Arizona lady, Granny Goes to School, as she is celebrating reaching 500 followers - congrats! 


6 comments:

  1. Super cute! Thanks for sharing :)

    Elizabeth
    Fun in Room 4B

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  2. I used your video last year several times my kids LOVE it! Now I know its yours. Thanks for the great resource!

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    1. Wow! What a small world, I'm so humbled to hear that other classrooms outside of my school have used this! Thanks for letting me know :)

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  3. Your video is awesome! I bet your kiddos loved making it! :)

    Jennifer
    Mrs. Laffin's Laughings

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  4. LOVE, LOVE the video!! I found your blog through a comment you left at Teaching in Room 6. I'm your newest follower. :)

    Good luck on the test. I wish our kids could write in the actual test booklet-this would help them sooooo much.

    Shannon
    http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com

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