Put 'Em to Work

It's testing week at my school, yes, it's that most wonderful time of the year, when we stress our kids and teachers out with standardized testing, and when principals lie awake at night with visions of AIP scores in their heads and severe indigestion riddling their systems.   Anyway, I'm one of those lucky teachers that doesn't have to administer the test (though I did sign the form saying I would if need be). So , when there are kids who are exempt from testing, such as the four special ed kids who took the modified exam and are now finished, they need a place to go.   I offered my services, and, since yesterday, have spent my mornings with anywhere from 4 to 6 4th, 5th and 6th graders hanging out in my classroom. They're scarily quiet, and eager to do the coloring sheets I've put out for them. They're actually quite sweet, and today, when they were looking bored, I asked if they'd cut up some magazines for the mosaic project my middle school kids are doing. They happily complied, so I armed them with safety scissors and some old Better Homes and Gardens. My table is a mess now, but they did me a big favor.   Of course, with testing comes increased boredom and hyperactivity by the time the 7th and 8th graders leave their academic classes and come to me. I'm dealing with it as best as I can. They're sick of following directions, so today I'm giving them some creative leeway--with guidelines. We'll see how it turns out. I'm giving them a nature theme, with strict admonations that I don't consider marijuana leaves to be appropriate subject matter.   In the mean time, being able to post from work is sort of awesome. Not that I'll always have time to do this...