Due to CRCT testing in nearby classrooms, I had to try to find a way to get my kindergarten and 1st grade class to work SILENTLY on Friday; a feat not easily accomplished with the specific classes I had this past week.
My idea - weaving! Weaving requires a certain amount of concentration and I knew it would be an activity that would keep my kids busy and focused.
I have a weaving center in my classroom made up of pieces of shelf-liner and rexlace. Normally when students use this center they practice their weaving techniques, then have to put everything back at the end of class; it's not a center that you get to take stuff home from.
So when I passed out small pieces of shelf-liner and rexlace on Friday to each students and told them that if they worked quietly I would let them keep everything they wove - they. were. SILENT.
NOT A WORD. It was a beautiful sight -- each kid working so intently on their weaving.
Just wanted to share this with you guys in case you run into a similar problem with testing. :)