3, 2, 1...GO!

Tomorrow begins day one of STAAR Writing. I think I am just as nervous as my kids, but realize that a Monday before state testing cannot perform miracles; therefore, today was dedicated as a "pump up" day.

Three different Horned Frog speakers came to the class to discuss goals & dreams & overcoming obstacles. Kids discussed their own big goal & vision. As a class, we confided in each other with any worries & doubts. Today was great, but I understand that these next two testing days will be tough for my babies.

Please keep my kids in your thoughts!!!

Five tips my co-teacher & I gave to our class for tomorrow:

1. Pace yourself
We know you are excited to tear apart your STAAR writing test tomorrow...

But when you don't pace yourself, you could end up like this mid-test...

2. Organize your thoughts so you don't sound like this girl:

3. Revise & edit your draft

4. Stick to the prompt


5. BREATH & BE CONFIDENT!
In order to avoid this happening (0.20 - .45)...

Tell yourself THIS:

Somos como una familia.

My friend & TCU journalist Jordan Rubio recently captured a snapshot of my classroom through interviews & video, titled "TCU alumna impacts local students through Teach For America program."

My 4th graders will be future movers & shakers.

These are my babies. They are my family.

Funnies

After being immersed with 800+ Teach For America corps members, facilitators, etc for 5+ weeks, I've noticed certain "buzzwords" used during sessions & conversations that never fail to make an appearance.

Fundamentally. Transformational. Push back. Action plan. Vision. Resonate. Reflect. Truly. Really. Transparent.

Here is a video that knocks some of the TFA lingo. It's important to note that not EVERYONE speaks like this, of course! This video is a bit of an exaggeration, but I got some good laughs from it.

For some more laughs, check out this Tumblr blog called "#whatshouldTFAcallme." The blog description is pretty accurate: A blog to keep TFA corps members from losing their minds along with all their free time.