End of the Year Reflection - Best Answers of 2018

It's the last day of regular classes before testing begins tomorrow, so I decided to let the kids have a relaxation and reflection day. In the past, I would have used this time for one last review cram session, however this year I decided our time would be better spent not thinking about the test at all. I decided to focus on reflection and relaxation because I wanted my students to know that this test is nothing to stress over. They are prepared and I believe that they will do their very best. I believe when we stress the test, the test stresses the students. Yes, the test is important because of their grade (and my growth scores...), but it is not something that defines them.

I wanted the assignment to be short and to the point, so I did some research on which questions to ask and came up with these:

I truly wanted to focus on number 4 and 5, those are sort of the most telling of how they felt about the class overall. I transcribed their answers exactly as they were written - bad grammar and all. The best answers are (with notations by me on why I chose them if necessary):

4. If you could go back and change something you did in this class, what would it be and why?

• ALL of the procrastination, I was in a bad situation.
• I would go back and do all my tests over. I think if I actually took the time my grade would be higher.
• Talking to people, they're distracting.
• My work ethics so my grades wouldn't be suffering so much.
• Nothing, history is fun if you make it fun and I enjoyed it. 
• I would change the fact that I didn't ask much questions.

5. What is one piece of advice that you would share with a student who is entering this class next year?

• Please be prepared for this clown named Mr. Betts. I play Mr. Betts Class youtube videos almost every day! The students I had last semester LOVED it, but this semester he did not receive a warm reception. He's awesome, you should check him out here.
• Don't be a douche or you'll get embarrassed, and don't procrastinate. I was not expecting this one! However, I do have a tendency to do some great "roasting" - the kids LOVE IT, even better if they are the one being roasted. A real example: some students were supposed to be discussing a primary document, but they were discussing a cheating boyfriend and how he liked another girl's pictures on Instagram, so I said: "I bet your grade wishes you'd cheat on your boyfriend with doing your homework...." 
• To focus, do your vocabulary, and ask questions because your teachers is here to help.
• Don't talk to people and get your work done early so you can look at memes.
• Tell Weaver to get rid of them cats and get rid of them corny jokes. I love cats, and I have 2 cats, but I am very allergic - the kids think it is crazy. I also tell lots of corny jokes - they really love it on the inside.....deep inside....
• Do your work, and her jokes are lowkey funny. See! They do love my jokes!

For anyone that is looking for a last minute review game - I encourage you to reflect with your students instead. Let your students tell you how they feel, let your students be honest with you, and stop stressing your kids out over a dumb test.