I don't want to re-arrange the desks. It takes too much time to do it myself, and I am way too OCD to trust anyone else with the lining up of straight rows. . . I decided to try out a solution I am going to call "two pizza boxes and a hot glue gun".
For each group of four, you will need: Two pizza boxes, and a hot glue gun.
I picked up twelve large pizza boxes from my local Pizza Hut. They let me have them for free. Thank you, Pizza Hut.
See those tabs at the hinge? Those are going to be a problem. Cut them off.
Then use hot glue to attach the "spines" of two boxes.
Open the boxes, and you have four compartments for private test-taking. When not in use, you can fold 'em up and store them. (Cameo appearance by Sophie).
Here they are in action.
I used them for the first time today. The kids thought it was fun. I wish they were a bit wider, as they don't cover the entire space between students. Still, I think they provide enough privacy. Time will tell . . .
Oh, and the most fun part of this whole project? Seeing the looks on the faces of students as they watched the crazy teacher with twelve pizza boxes struggle into the building this morning. I got multiple offers to help carry and open doors.
Ummm...this is an AMAZING idea! Thanks so much for sharing!!
ReplyDelete☼ Kate
To The Square Inch
LOVE IT!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have had kids sit in groups of 4 for years, and have just been diligent about circulating during exams. It was never the best solution. I really like the pizza boxes. Gonna try this out.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!!
ReplyDeleteI was just wondering today what to do about tests and quizzes! And a friend of mine is a co-owner of a pizza place...
ReplyDelete:)
Thanks for the idea!
I've put kids into groups, and always made 4 versions of the test...not fool proof, but it worked. Just took me forever to write and grade. Loving this idea much more!
ReplyDeleteagree with the others that seems like an awesome practical solution - much better than spending time sorting desks back out into rows and columns for test days ... however, am I missing something on how they're hot glued together such that they can open and be stored easily ??? - I'll have to get a couple and try it for myself ... I'll try hitting up Papa John's for some of their extra large boxes (might help that I have some former students who work there) - you could even 'decorate' the inside of the boxes with general test taking strategies/tips or copies of the high-stakes exam formula sheet
ReplyDeleteIf you think of two pizza boxes like they are two books, you glue the two spines together so they are attached but both can still open freely. Maybe "easily" isn't the word when it comes to storage. You just close the lids to store them, but that many pizza boxes does take up some space. I have a closet the size of a small bedroom, so that isn't a problem for me.
DeleteHmmm.... could you slide a smaller box inside and telescope it out?
ReplyDeleteThat might work. It would sure be worth a try anyway. It would be nice if they were a bit wider.
DeleteLOVE IT! I think I'm going to do this but not glue them together...and possibly cover them with paper or something.
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome idea!!!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I am doing mine like this http://solveandsimplify.blogspot.com/2012/08/cone-of-silence-think-get-smart.html but will try the pizza boxes too. The cardboard sheet I use are sturdy and easy to store. They're flat an slide behind/next to a file cabinet.
ReplyDeleteFunny! I love the name, and I like that those are flatter for storage. If the pizza boxes don't work out, this is my plan B.
DeleteI just added a link to you blog on my post. I really love your idea...so easy execute. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou are so kind, thank you!
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