AP testers: I don't give goodie bags or bookmarks, but it's pretty cool if someone does....

 

I don't make my AP English testers goodie bags or cool bookmarks or t-shirts. I did go to Sam's Club and got a variety of chips and Cheetos this weekend, and tonight I sent my husband to the store for Little Debbie's brownies (dense, chewy, platic-y) AND mandarins. So I get them snacks.

I think it's cool when people give their kids more than treats. I think this is the first year I realized that--before I would be frustrated when I saw people sharing online what they had made or bought for their testers. But, duh, it's definitely fine and good when teachers do that. Maybe t-shirs create a sense of bonding; bookmarks and treat bags  add a level of fun to the exam experience or acknowledge the importance of the long journey to the AP Lang and Comp test.  

Of course, please don't feel bad if you didn't get anything for your AP English testers. Hell's bells--you've given each of them HOURS of your time and put so much effort into their success. But if you go all out and make personalized pots for little plants with AP terms painted on the sides--they'll probably like that! Just feel good. Hopefully we all feel pretty good by tomorrow afternoon--or at least relieved.

AP exams are an event and a closure. I think we really come to a close with things in different ways---basically the way we need to.  If you would have appreciated a gift or a goodie bag or a t-shirt, that is probably what you want to give them.  Mine get potato chips (not pictured here), a Cosmic Brownie, and a clementine. (Snacks are apparently important to me.)

I hope your students do well on the test! Great job,  just saying. I'm sure you've worked your arse off helping them get ready.  I did have one girl thank me at the end of class today for the review. That's all I need. (Well, I do need them to tear it up on that exam, too, please. Ha!)  I'm going to go eat a few clementines from my own supply and hit the hay. Good luck!!!