do your BEST on your TEST

My little baby is already being exposed to the stresses of statewide testing.  She is only in first grade.  It is amazing how I am learning and seeing "the system" from a whole different set of eyes now since I am the parent, not the teacher.  Anyhow, as soon as I picked her up from school yesterday she began telling me she must get to bed early to get a good night's rest, eat a good breakfast like eggs and pancakes, and so forth.  She also told me all the rules her teacher has shared with the class (i.e. no talking, no walking, keep some tissues in your pocket, etc.)  Last night as I was tucking her into bed she looked at me with such innocence and belief that I, her Mommy, can do anything.  She asked me to please make her a button or something she could wear to remind her to do her best.  She mentioned something like "Good Luck Kate" or "Do Your Best First Grade."  Anna piped in at that point and said, "I have an idea.  Do Your Best On Your Test!"  Anna said it with such glee and delight that my heart melted all over the floor.  Of course now I knew I MUST make something for my Kate!  The fact is I know some day she will be embarrassed by something I make for her.  She won't believe I can do anything for her.  I will become less and less important in her world.  Therefore, I am going to soak up each and every opportunity I have right now. 

This morning, she was up and at'em.  She put on one of her favorite outfits and opted to have her hair down because she liked her curls.  We talked about how she can have confidence because she feels good about herself.  I asked her what she can do if she feels nervous and she said, "Mom, I will pray."  Honestly, we all want our children to score well, but in the reality, I really don't care.  Over the years I have tried to help parents realize the fact that the scores of these silly tests do not define who your child is, even as a learner.  I understand the theory but don't necessarily agree with the process and method.  My daughter, regardless of her scores, is Kate!  She is fearfully and wonderfully made for a special plan and purpose!  No test score, grading system, or whatever else can change the fact she belongs to her Maker, and for the time being, He has blessed me and given me the privilege of being her Mommy!

**UPDATE**  Kate told me tonight at dinner she thinks she did well on her test.  She also shared with me that on the bus one of her first grade friends had a sticky note pad.  Kate asked her friend for 21 notes.  Her friend said she couldn't share that many.  Kate wanted to give each student in her class a note that said, "do your BEST on your TEST!"  Her friend shared enough notes for Kate to make a note for each girl.  She handed them out to all the girls once she got to school.  The boys seemed to be jealous so tomorrow night we will be making notes for the boys.  Everyone is testing again on Thursday morning.