First Grade Takes a Test

Name: First Grade Takes a Test
ISBN: 9780688802653

by Miriam Cohen

The first grade class faces an intelligence test that causes distress, as it fails to capture their true aptitudes. They learn to cope with the pressure and understand that there are many ways to be s

About This Book

Miriam Cohen's classic 'First Grade Takes a Test' gently explores the anxieties and frustrations young children can experience when faced with standardized testing. The first graders are given an intelligence test, but many find it confusing or feel it doesn't reflect what they're truly good at. The story normalizes feelings of worry and unfairness, showing how the children support each other and how their teacher helps them understand that intelligence comes in many forms, beyond what a single test can measure. It's a wonderful book for opening conversations about self-worth, different strengths, and the pressures of school.

The first grade is distressed by an intelligence test which fails to measure true aptitude.

Concepts

Anxiety & Worry Self-Confidence & Identity Justice & Fairness Empathy & Kindness Friendship & Loyalty Teamwork & Collaboration Resilience & Perseverance Peer Pressure Being Different Making Friends Growing Up School Life Friendship & Social

Discussion Prompts

How did the first graders feel about taking the test? Have you ever felt that way about a test or a task?

What are some things you are really good at that a test might not be able to measure?

Do you think the test was fair? Why or why not?

How did the children help each other when they were feeling worried about the test?

What did the teacher do to make the children feel better after the test?

External Reviews