Spelling Pre-Test

Every Thursday in my classroom I give a spelling pre-test. Every kid knows it. Every Thursday. Period. No exceptions.

And, I am faithful to write in each student's planner (the ones I'm required to write in each day) that Thursday is a pre-test, so they need to study.

So, it still amazes me when the kids don't pass the test the day I give it. We work with the words throughout the week. We play card matching games, we write with them, we talk about them...we do everything I know to do with them.

So, on Thursday they get a couple minutes before the test to review the words.

Today I gave the test and one of my students flunked (several flunked, but this is a post about one student in particular). I was a bit surprised as he is a good student, he just doesn't always apply himself.

I passed back the tests and went on with the other assignments for the day.

At lunch I found out the student had thrown his "F" paper in the recycle box, instead of taking it home to show his parents.

I was shocked. He is a good kid.

So, after recess I pulled him in the hallway and asked him about what he done.

And I was so proud of him.

He simply said he was scared to show it to his parents. He didn't want his folks mad at him.

I was so proud of him.

Most of my other students would have flipped out, made an excuse, and probably thrown out tears for good measure.

I did make him take it home to his parents and have it signed and brought back tomorrow. I imagine he'll still be in trouble tonight.

But for the first time in a while I am really, really proud of a student.

As far as I'm concerned that is priceless.