Final countdown

I have this one student who has been worried to death about the STAAR test. He's genuinely, utterly nervous about it. His facial expression changes, he starts to sweat whenever I start talking about it. There have been times he comes to me after class and looks as if he wants to cry or throw up. I would like nothing but to comfort him and tell him that everything will be OK. All I tell him is to pay attention to what I teach and write notes and ask questions. He's the type of student that comes to me after he answers every question to make sure it's ok.

"Did I answer this right?" "How do I start this essay?" He will ask.

I help as much as I can, but there are times when I have told him I will not be there during the test to help him. He must have confidence In himself and answer them on his own.

It breaks my heart, when he looks at me with a "please help" look on his face.

This year will be tough. They will have to answer 63 multiple choice questions, 2 expository essays and 3 short answer questions in only 5 hours.

And they are not the only ones that worry. I have lost so much sleep stressing about this test they will be taking. Am I teaching everything they will need? The stress has been so much I have physically been sick these last few weeks. A lingering headache that just won't go away and nightmares about the test are just a few things happening lately. I don't usually stay in bed on the weekends, but the physical pain in my body has been so much, I can't get myself to get up.

The last five days to teach everything I can are finally here. Let's hope all goes ok.

I also have my certification test coming up in two weeks. So so tired.

Breakfast: sausage and egg and coffee.

Lunch and dinner: small salad and some meat.

Water: 1 liter.

Snack: Atkins granola bar