Even magic used to pump up youngsters facing MEAP test

FLUSHING - Third-grader Alyssa Kohler clasped her hands over her mouth and gasped as the man in the red vest made a glass of water float in the air.

"When you do the best you can, nothing is impossible. See?" magician Jeffrey Olds said while pouring water in the magic glass, drawing a chorus of squeals in the room.

Magic is just one way Seymour Elementary School is revving students up for Michigan Educational Assessment Program testing next week.

This is the first year that third-graders will take the test and that it's scheduled for October instead of January. Some districts are finding creative ways to pique interest and ease nerves, especially in younger students.

Some teachers are prepping classes like coaches gearing teams up for the big game.

Area schools are trying everything from pep assemblies featuring MEAP-related skits and cheers to making "stress boxes" storing family pictures and stuffed animals on desks.

"We thought this would be a nice way to get students' attention and make a fun, exciting atmosphere," Seymour Principal Michele Blair said of Tuesday's show, "MEAP is Magic."

"We want them to take the tests seriously and do their best, but we don't want to put a lot of pressure on them."

Olds, whose show includes a snake named MEAP, told third- and fourth-graders how important it will be to concentrate next week.

He likened the "empty" paper bag from which he suddenly pulled out three large objects to a brain going blank on a question - it may seem empty, but there is always useful information inside.

The three colored handkerchiefs that mysteriously tied into knots mid-air - that's how everything comes together when you have good sleep, healthful food and the desire to do well.

Seymour third-grader Crissy Mendoza, 8, said she learned how important food and rest is.

"I'm a little nervous," she said. "But that was really funny."

As this year's testing window, which starts Monday and ends Oct. 21, draws near, some teachers are still concerned about younger students taking the test.

"Expectations jump from second to third grade. It's a huge growth period," said Debbie Bernard, third-grade teacher at Dillon Elementary in the Carman-Ainsworth School District. "I think they're overwhelmed."

But Bernard said her students discuss ways they can stay alert and relaxed. Next week will also be the first time they get to chew gum and suck on peppermints in class - which studies show stimulate the brain.

Other schools have different techniques.

Students at McKinley Academy in Flint will draw for prizes ranging from board games to hand-held radios while test-takers at Carter Elementary in Montrose will make "MEAP stress boxes" to allay stress.

And teachers at Fenton's State Road Elementary will take a shot at comedy. They will act in skits poking fun at people who think they can do well on the test by finishing it as quickly as possible or eating a lot beforehand.

Flushing parent Sheryl Porter, who has a son taking the MEAP in third grade next year and a son taking it in fifth grade this year, said she's not concerned about changes in MEAP testing.

But she appreciates inventive school efforts to get students in the best mindset for test-taking.

"Anything helps," she said.

Journal staff writers Matt Bach, Bob Wheaton and Kristin Longley contributed to this report.