First Grade Takes a Test

I remember this book fondly from my childhood, I used to read it to my little sister who is 4 years younger than me. I still remember her reaction "First Grade Takes A Test was good!" I was so proud that i could read it and was a special moment between us.

I have to disagree with some of the comments made by other reviewers. This is a fabulous read aloud for intermediate and upper elementary students, as well as for their parents during Meet the Teacher night. With so much more pressure placed on students (and teachers!) as a result of NCLB, this book has a fabulous underlying message that goes beyond the unkindness of name calling - that kids are not defined by the tests that they are forced to take. I bought my copy when it was out of print and I'm delighted to see that it can be purchased new.

Written by Miriam Cohen, a defender of the emotional rights of children, and warmly illustrated by award-winning artist Ronald Himler, First Grade Takes a Test is a book for young children about keeping test-taking in perspective. When a lady from the principal's office brings a test to the first-grade class, the children have some trouble because none of the answers seem quite right. For example, one question says "Rabbits eat: [] lettuce [] dog food [] sandwiches", yet young George can't find "carrots" on the list - and he knows that if rabbits don't eat carrots, their teeth will grow too long and hurt them. When the test is over, Anna Maria goes to a special class because she did very well, which provokes unrest and even name-calling "Dummy!" among the other children. It takes the wisdom of their teacher to put the test results in their proper context. "The test doesn't tell everything. It doesn't tell all the things you can do! You can build things! You can read books! You can make pictures! You have good ideas! And another thing. The test doesn't tell you if you are a kind person who helps your friends. Those are important things." First Grade Takes a Test celebrates the importance of all types of learning - reading and math as well as social skills - and the importance of not reading too much into a rigorous but limited test, especially at a young age. Highly recommended.

I have read this book for years with my first grade students. They can relate to the children in the story who take a general test. While one child does very well on the test, some others feel poorly about themselves for "not being smart". The teacher puts a stop to those negative feelings. The story provides me with a valuable opportunity to discuss everyone's unique qualities and the things each of us are good at or knowledgeable about.

Very enjoyable and reader friendly. Children relate to the situation, especially with the current pressure of standardized testing by the state agencies. Children love the ending... Friends are more important then testing results...