Test Anxiety

As we were riding bikes yesterday, Zach caught up with me to ask, “Do we have to take any tests this year?”

“No, sweetie.  Why would we take a test?”

“Well, we have to take them in third grade, right?”

Zach had heard when he was in kindergarten that third graders start taking tests. I guess he doesn’t buy into the biblical wisdom –

Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

– because he has been worrying about tests ever since.

“No, buddy, we don’t have to take tests next year either.”

“We don’t?!”

“No.  You never have to take a test in homeschool.”

“Woohoo!  I’m gonna homeschool forever!”  Then he slowed down until Ezra caught up with us and shared the good news.  “Ez, did you know there are no tests in homeschool? We’re NEVER going back to school.”

So what do you think?  I loved tests, and they were the only reasons I ever studied anything.  And if they go to college, they’ll need to take tests.  Do you need to practice? I know some homeschoolers give tests, but I wasn’t planning on it.  Bad idea?

Finally, do you think it’s wrong if I now use his fear to scare Zach into obedience? I could threaten that if he can’t sit still during my three minute history reading then he’s going to have to go back to anxiety-producing, test-giving public school.  Bad idea?