Submitted by Andrea Cope, Texas
Idea posted October 9, 2002
Question: When it comes time to hear individuals, how do you deal with that?
Answer: I listen to them one at a time. I have several silent activities for them to do while I test. In the past, I've also let them come in 2 days a week during recess for testing or tutoring, but I'm not sure I can do that this year, with the new PE/recess regs.
My kids all-time favorite thing to do during testing is musical mysteries. I write the first 4 measures of a piece and they have to figure out what it is. Some are from MacMillan's Share The Music, some are pop songs, some are classical themes, whatever I can think of. Eight usually last for two periods. I announce the winner on the morning news and have them come to my room for a prize - usually something detectivey, like a Groucho disguise or a slinky. (Okay, it's a stretch, but it fits the theme.)