Middle Schoolers Keepin it Real

Not much to report today. My middle school students have some big state tests coming up this week. Today I tried to work with them to develop positive self-talk and some messages they could use to encourage themselves during the test which feels interminable to them. They were supposed to make bright, colorful little signs with shiny messages like "Keep going!" and "I know how to do this!" I don't think too many of them bought it though. Probably the only honest one was the boy wrote "After I finish this I can do something else" and drew a picture of himself hanging out with friends at a Chinese restaurant.