Learn it! Know it! Show it!

Annie Kate's third grade teacher asked me and another mom to come up with a "you can do it" kit to give the kids before their week of county testing. Testing here is a big deal in this county, in my opinion too big of deal. There is no doubt Annie Kate is getting the education of a lifetime here and I think it will give her a great head start, but since I have never been about test scores, it kind of drives me crazy.

The test in not for two weeks but we wanted to get them done before Spring Break (which started here about 15 minutes ago YEA!). The teachers theme is all about you have learned it, you know it and now it is your time to show it!

While I am sure not many out there will be making kits like this there are a few tips that may help someone in other projects.

First thing - Whole Foods may never forgive me about telling you about this one. Their salad bar boxes are these awesome recycled chip board like box. It is AWESOME and has been catching my eye for sometime for an upcoming project. The store gave them to us to have since we said we were with the neighborhood school. (i can't take any credit for picking them up, my friend did all the negotiating, if you could see how cute she is - no one could turn her down.)

Here are all 25 boxes all tied up with wonderful ribbon in school colors

The box was full of little items to get them excited about the test.
keep in mind these little doo dads could be used for any motivating kit,

first day of school
athletic event
musical concert
going to college
for a missionary

Fruit by the foot
Put your best "foot" forward

Stickers
Stick to it, there is nothing you can't do

Rubber band
"Stretch" you mind and you will do just fine

Hershey Hugs

Just some "Hugs" from Mrs. Dembrow

Band Aid
Wear this "Band Aid" one day of the test to remind you how much I care about you

Highlighter
It is time to "Highlight" what you know!"

Extra Gum
Just a little something "Extra" for good luck

Sponge
"Sponge" Bob smarty pants

Water Bottle
MSA (title of the test) Super Juice
Little bottle of bubbles
Blow the bubbles not the test

Certs
I am "cert"ain you can do it!

Smarties
Smarties for the Smarty

Pencil
You can do it you are "Sharp"

Pencil Grip
"Get a grip and a goodnight sleep"

Q-tip
Here is a "tip", eat a good breakfast and come in with a smile

Eraser
Just in case you need to "Erase"

we used little jewelry bags that are so cheap from any craft store. You can usually find them in the Jewelry making section. Then used return address labels for a lot to the labeling. We asked 5 parents to each donate the random items which really helped and they were all happy to do it.

Is your county testing a big deal?
Can you even imagine getting something like this when you were in third grade?
What other ideas to you have to add to this or reasons to make it?