Case
Testing Candy

Ok if a student is not a good test taker like can't focus is it ok to allow that student to chew gum or suck on a piece of candy to help? Is that giving special attention to one student or should you give it to all the students in the class?

Posted on: 03/12/15 | Views: 1303
Solution #1
Top Solution
I offer peppermint to all of my students during testing. This removes any "special treatment" and does not require me giving candy to everyone at the same time.

Peppermints are great for all students. I've even heard it helps them concentrate more! If it's a standardized state test, I'd check with the rules first.

Peppermints are a great idea because when I was in school and we took big test our teacher would give us peppermint and it did help focus me.

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Solution #2
It's like this.... You are giving each child what they need to preform and succeed in your class. Some children will not need the candy, but your one student may need it. That is our job as teachers. We have to find out what our students need, and provide this for them in order to promote their learning.

This solution is useful.

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Solution #3
There has been some research done on effects of peppermint and cinnamon in stimulating the brain. Not that it makes students smarter, however, it enhanced their memory, mood, and alertness. I give peppermint and cinnamon mints to all of my students when they are testing, however, equal isn't always fair, so If I had to give it to one student and not another then I don't see a problem with that. Accommodations are given on a case by case basis. Each student may need a different accommodation to have a better chance in achieving success.
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Solution #4
I think it would be okay to give a student gum or candy to help them focus. You could give the rest of the students something like Smarties that won't last during the entire test but they still get something during the test. I always tell my kids when I give them Smarties that they are my smarties and show what they know on the test.

Another approach may be to invite students to bring in their own peppermints or candies for testing. This way you don't have to supply them all (still give to the one student if needed), but you are not singling any one student out.

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Solution #5
I had a similar problem like this with one of my students. The special education coordinator told me to never question the fairness of something that works for a child. Therefore, I would give the child candy if it helps him/her.
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Solution #6
I think you have to be careful. In the system where I work, we are prohibited from providing peppermints, gum, or any other type of candy during testing. What we do is offer a healthy, nutritious snack just prior to the test, and we do some brain-building/focus-building exercises. Anytime students cross the mid-line of their body, they are boosting focus and brain power. Try some exercises to get rid of the fidgeting, and hopefully students will be able to focus for a little bit longer.
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Solution #7
I would give peppermint candy to all of the students. I had a professor who did this for each test it was a great idea!
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Solution #8
I think its a great idea to allow the students to do this. Maybe have some peppermints at your desk so that every student can have a single mint during the test. This helps said student who is having issues and also shows that you are not giving special attention to one student.
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Solution #9
I remember as a child that my teacher would give the class skittles. Apparently there was s study done that chewing skittles helped students stay focused during a test.
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Solution #10
Like others have stated I think it is important to give something out such as mints or life savers to all the students and they can decide if and when they want to eat them. It has been proven that students test better when eating gum/mints while taking a test. By giving everyone something it does not single that one child out and makes it fair for the rest of the students.
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Solution #11
I would make sure none of the students have allergies first and then I would give them peppermint candy. This is supposed to stimulate the brain. It also prevents gum being stuck anywhere. Letting every student have one will prevent favoritism.
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Solution #12
Throughout schooling teachers or test proctors offered a mint or two during a test. I would allow all students the opportunity to a mint and this will eliminate any possible special treatment toward a particular student.
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Solution #13
I would give each student a hard gum, not the chewy ones because students may smack their lips or blow a bubble. So instead give them a hard gum, and every student is included that way there are no "favorites".
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Solution #14
I would give one to each student. There's nothing wrong with having extra help and you won't exclude anyone.
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Solution #15
I've heard the a peppermint or mint gum helps and have done it in middle school
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Solution #16
I believe this kind of accommodation would be something needed on the IEP if it is done during state-mandated tests. Otherwise, I would offer each student a piece of candy during a test to make it fair and minimize attention or embarrassment being drawn to the student.
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Solution #17
I would start off giving the one student a peppermint or butterscotch and if other students notice, I would ask that that parents donate candies to suck on during tests because it helps them focus. I will monitor student progress to see if it becomes a distraction for some students and will give them candy at the end of the tests.
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Solution #18
I would give the students a snack without sugar such as goldfish or something besides sugar. Sugar can cause some students to not have possible reaction to the material being tested.
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Solution #19
Although this student struggles with test taking there is no evidence that a piece of candy or gum will help them focus. Giving gum or candy to one student distracts not only that student but also other students in the class that see the reward as unfair. If you do give something out I would suggest giving each student in the class a mint to calm testing nerves.
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