Is this the test to test us for the test to see if we are ready for the test?

Whatever you are, be a good one.

A Man o[ug]ht not to value himself of his Atchievements,

or rare Qua[lities of wit; much less of his rich]es Virtue or Kindred.

*   *   *   *   *
​
Make no Comparisons and if any of the Company be Commended

for any brave act of Vertue, commend not another for the Same.​

It is acceptable to be proud of your achievements, but it is not acceptable to openly brag as if you are generally better than another. Accept that you are not going to be number one at everything you try. Do not let your intelligence get in the way of treating people with manners and kindness. Compliment others when they succeed. Let people have "their moments" of success without bringing up others who might have accomplished the same level. Help others when they need guidance (when it is appropriate). Keep an open mind and consider that other people have ideas and valid opinions, too. When possible, use the contributions of others in your conversation. If you have to tell everyone that you deserve recognition, you probably do not; when you are great, others will see it without you telling them.

Peter H. Reynolds, creativity advocate and best-selling author and illustrator, and co-founder of FableVision Learning, has created a new animated short called The Testing Camera — a whimsical poke at high-stakes, standardized testing and a reminder that real assessment is as easy, and — at the same time — as challenging as getting to really know the gifts and talents of every child.

“We’ve gone through a very test-centric decade which, in my opinion, has consumed a lot of time, energy, and resources,” Reynolds shares. “Many teachers have had to adhere to new mandates and measures that require a ‘teach to the test’ approach. Public schools redirected funding for art, music, theater, libraries, field trips, and more. It’s a discouraging picture for those trying to reach all children in creative, engaging ways.”

Reynolds, who is known for his books encouraging creativity, The Dot, Ish, Sky Color and The North Star among many others, penned this whimsical and poignant story about a young girl named Daisy who, dismayed at her art class being canceled, nervously faces her turn with the “Testing Camera.” This huge apparatus snaps at her with a few blinding flashes of light. Weeks later, her father’s reaction to the test results surprises Daisy in a most wonderful way.

“This is my gift to educators to remind them to follow their instincts and remember why they got into teaching in the first place: to see the potential in every child, to nurture those emerging gifts and talents, and to change lives,” Reynolds shared.

The film was produced by FableVision, the transmedia studio in Boston founded by Peter and his twin brother, Paul Reynolds, author of Going Places and the Sydney & Simon series. The Testing Camera was directed by John Lechner with music by Tony Lechner, and animated by a team of young animators interning at FableVision for the summer. Broadway actor Chester Gregory lends his voice to the project.

Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain

for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery.

*   *   *   *   *

When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well

blame not him that did it.

*   *   *   *   *

Being to advise or reprehend any one,

consider whether it ought to be in publick or in Private;

presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it

& in reproving Shew no Sign of Cholar

but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness.

*   *   *   *   *

Take all Admonitions thankfully in what Time or Place Soever given

but afterwards not being culpable take a Time [&] Place

convenient to let him him know it that gave them.

*   *   *   *   *

Wherein wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself;

for example is more prevalent than Precepts.

*   *   *   *   *

Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud,

nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune,

​tho' there Seem to be Some cause.​

*   *   *   *   *

When you deliver a matter do it without Passion & with Discretion,

howev[er] mean the Person be you do it too.​

Failure may not be an option, but making mistakes along the way is inevitable. ​What does this mean for the manner in which our class operates? Identifying a mistake in an indication that you are learning and growing. Learn from the mistakes of others. Be not afraid to publicly admit you have made a mistake. Cheer for others when they identify their mistakes. Do not laugh at a mistake someone else had made. Do not make fun of someone when s/he misspeaks. Accept criticism as it is intended - to help you improve. Study the reason for your mistake and make changes for the next time you attempt to use the same skill. Treat other people in the same manner in which you would like to be treated. When you have mastered a concept, consider how you may assist another student to do the same.

These are the rules that govern proper conversation: They that are in Dignity or in office have in all places Preceedency but whilst they are Young they ought to respect those that are their equals in Birth ​or other Qualitys, though they have no Publick charge. *   *   *   *   *

It is good Manners to prefer them to whom we Speak befo[re] ourselves

especially if they be above us with whom in no Sort we ought to begin.

*   *   *   *   *

Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.

*   *   *   *   *

Artificers & Persons of low Degree ought not to use many ceremonies

to Lords, or Others of high Degree but Respect

and high[ly] Honour them, and those of high Degree

ought to treat them with affibility & Courtesie, without Arrogancy.

*   *   *   *   *

In Speaking to men of Quality do not lean

nor Look them full in the Face, nor approach too near them

at lest Keep a full Pace from them.​
​
*   *   *   *   *

In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physicion

if you be not Knowing therein.

*   *   *   *   *
​
In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title

According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.

*   *   *   *   *

Strive not with your Superiers in argument,

but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.

*   *   *   *   *

Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Proffesses;

it Savours of arrogancy.

*   *   *   *   *

Let thy ceremonies in Courtesie be proper to the Dignity of his place

[with whom thou conversest for it is absurd to ac]t the same

with a Clown and a Prince.

*   *   *   *   *

Never express anything unbecoming, nor Act agst the Rules Mora[l]

before your inferiours.

*   *   *   *   *

Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest Scoff at none

although they give Occasion.

*   *   *   *   *

Be not froward but friendly and Courteous;

the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive

​when it's a time to Converse.

*   *   *   *   *

Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding.

Speak not in an unknown Tongue in Company

but in your own Language and that as those of Quality do

and not as the Vulgar; Sublime matters treat Seriously.

*   *   *   *   *

Think before you Speak pronounce not imperfectly

nor bring ou[t] your Words too hastily but orderly & distinctly.

*   *   *   *   *

When Another Speaks be attentive your Self

and disturb not the Audience if any hesitate in his Words

help him not nor Prompt him without desired, Interrupt him not,

nor Answer him till his Speec[h] be ended.

*   *   *   *   *

In the midst of Discourse ask [not of what one treateth]

but if you Perceive any Stop because of [your coming

you may well intreat him gently] to Proceed:

If a Person of Quality comes in while your Conversing it's handsome

to Repeat what was said before.

*   *   *   *   *

While you are talking, Point not with your Finger

at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him

​to whom you talk especially to his face.​

*   *   *   *   *

When your Superiours talk to any Body

hearken not neither Speak nor Laugh.

*   *   *   *   *

In Company of these of Higher Quality than yourself

Speak not ti[l] you are ask'd a Question then Stand upright

​put of your Hat & Answer in few words

*   *   *   *   *

Be not tedious in Discourse, make not many Digressigns,

​nor rep[eat] often the Same manner of Discourse.​