[deansbaby67]

My state has been out for two weeks for a teacher walkout. We are back in tomorrow and start our state testing this week. I am new 3rd grade, so have not done standardized testing (other than the CoGAT.) I know we are encouraged to make the time after testing a bit relaxed and easy. What do you do for the rest of the day, after testing is complete for a particular section? Thanks for any advice!!

[kahluablast]

Last year my class put on a play, so we auditioned for parts, make props, worked on learning parts.

This year we are going on with life as usual. We have a project they are researching and putting together that they will work on, and we will do science activities that are hands on from our science kit.

I don't like to take it completely away from curriculum as then they loose focus for the next tests. We have a week of tests, a week of class as usual, then a week for more testing. Oh, and in there I still need grades for my own purposes.

[choppie70]

We did some STEM challenges.

We also did a bit of fun research on our state and (finally) sent out our post cards to other schools.

On Friday, we had our Winn Dixie party and watched the movie.

[1956BD]

take them outside if the weather is agreeable. Collect a few natural items from the school yard. Place them on a tray so the students can view it for about 30 seconds. Then cover with a cloth. Take the students out on a nature walk and see how many of the same items they can locate and put into their own small paper bag. Return to the classroom and see how well they did. It is a fun and easy science lesson about nature in general. It is also a memory exercise! You can discuss how everything is changing from winter to spring.

leaf
small rock (must fit in clasped hand)
acorn
pine cone
bark fallen from tree
small amount of dirt
shell or shell piece
blade of grass
weed
feather
flower....

Be sure to wash hands when you are all done.

[deansbaby67]

We have 4 tests and are done in 4 days. They've tried spreading it out, but we noticed no difference in scores. I love the idea about the play!! Thanks!!

[deansbaby67]

I love Winn-Dixie! I looped with my class this year and we did that in 2nd, but I will definitely do some STEM! As for the nature walk, love that idea! I think we are supposed to have a few nice days!!