DRA2 Update and Crafty

Today, I did my DRA testing and it was a lot better than I thought.  I definitely had my freak out moment this morning and almost lost it but once I got rolling it wasnt that hard.  I have a handful of readers that are well above grade level reading at a 50 independent at the beginning of 3rd grade.  I was told not to go past that this early since they wont have any where to go by the end of the year (we are supposed to stop at 60 in grade 4).

There were a couple times that I had to ask a pro for help about how to mark something or where to even start a new child who I knew was a struggling reader.  I was surprised at how serious some of the kids took the assessment.  But of course I had a couple who did not care and did not try as hard as I knew they could.  That is always disappointing.  Overall though it was a great experience and learning time.  I will be much more prepared and knowledgeable about it next time!

Since I was testing all day I wanted an activity that would allow kids to be pulled out.  So I had the kids do a craft!  They loved it and did awesome.  I was so pleased.  You may have seen this picture on Pinterest

bummer it doesnt link up; if you know where this came from let me know!

I LoVE this quote.  I have been wanting to post it in my class since the start.  Especially working at an Asian school, I feel it is important for them to know that mistakes are okay and that we just need to try our best.  Sometimes that is overlooked in this culture.  Anyway,  I wanted the kids to have some ownership over it so I outlined the letters and had them color it.  Since I have 17 students, half of the class had 3 letters and half had 2 letters.    We will glue them onto colored paper for a background and post it in our room.  This will be our daily reminder!  I was so proud of them when I saw how hard they worked on their letters and made it beautiful.  I can't wait to hang it up!

DRA2 and first day with a sub

Tomorrow is my first day having a sub fill in for ME! I am used to being the substitute coming in for the real teachers but tomorrow I get to have a substitute.  It is somewhat silly because I have to be there as well but at least I don't have to do recess duty or deal with all of their silliness.

Why you might ask!?! Well tomorrow is my day to do my DRA2 testing.  This is my first time doing DRA2 but I am familiar with Running Records and all that jazz. I go through moments where I am freaking out about it and other moments when I think I can totally handle it.

I think where I get nervous or frustrated or lost is with my kids who are new to school who have never done DRA before.  I have no idea where to start them!  Plus, I have some ESL students who can read fine but have a hard time summarizing or giving details.  Ugh.  They make me nervous.  I don't want to overwhelm them with the test but I worry I will mess it up.

Plus all the other teachers keep telling me that it is a bear to grade and review and finalize! This makes me so so SO nervous.  I have visions of me staying after school all night to get them done and pulling all my hair out and having paper thrown all over my classroom.  You get the picture? I hope so! I am freaking out.

But I am also excited because this is yet another step in becoming a 'real' teacher and having to deal with all of this stuff.  Plus I get some one on one time with my kids so that could be nice.

Then I start thinking about how I am having a sub for the day.  But since I am still there Can I still come in and answer questions or teach something or be silly with them?!?  Or should I be completely removed from the class?  Also, I feel like I need to write everything down and explain everything but I will be there so I should be able to explain what I need to to her in the morning, right?

So many thoughts going through my head.  Now it is your turn, experienced teachers! Have you ever done DRA testing? Any advice on the testing itself? What about having a sub while still at the school? Are you visible or imaginary ;)  Please help a newbie out!!