Back Track

(I substitute in a local elementary school. So far, most third grade tests have been connect-the-dots, fill-in-the-blanks, etc. But now, there are also questions that need written answers. One particular insecure boy shies away from questions like that and generally leaves them blank.)

Me: *to all students* “Now, remember to answer ALL the questions. Even if you are not sure of your answer, write something anyway. If you leave it blank it is definitely considered ‘wrong’ and you won’t get any points. So, anything you write is better than nothing.”

(The insecure boy stands up to hand me his finished test. I don’t take the paper away from him yet, to make sure he has a chance to answer everything.)

Me: “Did you answer all the questions?”

Student: “Yes.”

Me: “Are you sure you did? Do you want to look it over one more time just to make sure?”

Student: *still holding his test paper* “Yes. I answered all the questions. Except the one on the back. I didn’t see that one.”