We all know that children have varying capabilities. So when it comes to standardized testing, it’s easy for dread to set in for those students whose learning styles are a little different. In a school system that categorizes us by letter or number, it’s so critical for students to feel that they are appreciated uniquely for who they are.
Well one teacher at Evergreen Avenue School in New Jersey decided to do just that.
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Chandhi Langford wrote individualized messages on each of her students’ desks just prior to the PAARC tests that had her fifth-graders stressed out to the max. The standardized tests based on Common Core Principals are just about the least favorite part of any student’s year as they go through hours of testing sessions, often for days on end.
She wanted to make sure that her students felt inspired, loved and motivated, so she shared personalized notes signed “Love, Your Teachers” to show that the whole school was supporting them in their endeavor to grow and learn.
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The school was so touched by her efforts that they posted pictures of the dry-erase marker messages to Facebook, and they quickly gained viral attention.
“To motivate her 5th grade students, Mrs. Langford at Evergreen Avenue prepared inspirational, growth-mindset messages for every one of her students. Each personalized note was written in dry-erase marker on students’ desks so they could be cleaned up prior to starting PARRC.”
Each message was different and specific to the student she was writing to. It’s teachers like this that are shaping the future, both academically AND personally.
Check out some of Mrs. Langford’s empowering messages to her students:
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“I want my kids to know that I appreciate them and that I believe they can achieve anything they want to,” Langford says. “And for me, it doesn’t matter if they don’t do well or even if they fail—as long as they were trying their hardest, learn from their mistakes and do better in the future.”
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As if her notes weren’t already sweet enough, she also left a couple of donut holes in the upper right corner of their desks as a little treat to enjoy amidst the high-pressure tests that awaited them.
She placed them on a yellow sticky note that read “Donut stress. Take your time and do your best.”
Awww! Now that teacher’s a keeper. Thanks, Mrs. Langford, for setting the gold standard for educators everywhere and for showing our kiddos that their worth is not confined by the limits of standardized tests. SHARE this post with your friends if you’re as inspired by this wonderful teacher as we were!
