Speak Life in the PARCC

This week we begging PARCC testing in our school. I have many thoughts on that, but those are for a different time and a different Post.
Suffice it to say that I know there will likely be an air of stress in the building this week. Teachers tend to stress about following all the many restrictions and rules for the testing, as well as how to balance it with all the curriculum demands. Kids stress about taking the tests. But the stress can be counterproductive. 
I’m setting out to be especially mindful of finding little ways this week to speak life into my students and colleagues. I want to find ways to alleviate stress. To promote joy, confidence, and acceptance. In the testing tug of war, we are on the same team. While we might occupy different rooms, we share the same goals and purposes. I want to cheer them on so we can pull on the rope efficiently, and have fun without falling in the proverbial mud pit.
I want to speak life so they remember that they’ve got this.
I want to sow seeds that remind them their value is not measured by a test.
I want to give words with wings, so they can rise above the stress.
I want to speak life, because our words matter, and I want those words to remind students and staff around me, that they matter, far more than any test.

During the month of March, I’m blogging daily with friends and colleagues from around the world in the “Slice of Life” writing challenge hosted by Two Writing Teachers.