standardized test prep

Stop Standardized Test Stress!

April 8, 2014April 23, 2014By astutehoot

Does the thought of standardized testing make you cringe? Stop the standardized test stress with these three easy, engaging classroom activities.

1.Testing Worry Pockets: Read Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes and make text connections to Wemberly and her worries. Discuss students’ test-taking worries and brainstorm ways to alleviate them. Make Testing Worry Pockets with a Wemberly template, library pocket and index card. Students will color the template, glue on the library pocket and tuck testing worry inside.

2. Standardized Stress Snowballs: Students write their testing worries on paper snowballs and gather in a large circle at the carpet area. Throw snowballs into the center, ridding the class of those testing troubles.

3. Testing Trail Mix: Read and make Testing Trail Mix together. Put in cups for students to eat while reading a testing story such as Testing Miss Malarkey by Judy Finchler or The Big Test by Julie Danneberg.

Download our FREE Standardized Test Prep unit for additional activities and testing tips.

Standardized Testing Good Luck Hands

March 31, 2014By astutehoot

Standardized testing often causes anxiety and stress for students. I alleviate these worries and build students’ self-esteem with Standardized Testing Khamsas (Good Luck Hands), part of our Standardized Test Prep Unit.

The khamsa, which means five in Arabic, is a good luck symbol from Morocco, Africa. Often made with precious metal like silver and gold, these ornate and colorful hands are used to bring luck and blessings into people’s lives. Students feel so special making these good luck hands; these are always a top keepsake for the year.

To make in the classroom, simply have students trace their hands on aluminum foil and glue onto brightly colored construction paper. Students can add detail with Sharpies and glue on jewels, buttons, eyes and sequins. Display these on bulletin board for a beautiful reminder for students to believe in themselves during testing time.

Test Prep Center

April 13, 2012July 27, 2013By astutehoot

Motivate students to prepare for upcoming standardized tests with the creation of a fun, engaging test prep center. I created “The Standardized Testing Swamp” in my classroom. Both Tina Turtle, Troubled Test Taker and Frankie, Fumbling Fox, are posted at the center, along with test-taking tips and strategies. Test prep centers, games and activities are also housed in this special center. For even more ideas, check out Astute Hoot’s comprehensive motivational test prep unit at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/search?keyword=astute+hoot+test+prep&subjectarea=0&startsearch=1

Standardized Testing Good Luck Hands (Khamsas)

April 10, 2012March 28, 2014By astutehoot

Looking for a fun art project to motivate and encourage students for standardized testing? Make khamsas, or good luck hands. Khamsas have been used in northern Africa for centuries–most are made out of silver or gold and embellished with gemstones or elaborate scroll work.

Students can make this colorful art project with aluminum foil, glitter, sequins and Sharpies. Students simply trace their hands on aluminum foil, then cut out and decorate with given supplies. Foil khamsas can be glued on brightly colored cardstock for extra durability. Hang together for a beautiful, easy bulletin board.

Check out other motivating test prep activities and lessons created by Astute Hoot: Games That Teach at

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Standardized-Test-Prep-Unit

Standardized Test Prep

April 5, 2012July 27, 2013By astutehoot

Standardized testing is now a major component of education. Yet, just the mention of a standardized test causes major anxiety for students, teachers and parents. Astute Hoot has the answer for this anxiety! Unlike other test prep units that focus on laborious drill and kill, our comprehensive test prep unit was specifically designed to alleviate angst, strengthen skills, promote self-awareness and build confidence.

In this unit, students meet Tina Turtle, Troubled Test Taker and Frankie, Fumbling Fox, both of whom struggle with major test taking anxiety. Each week, the students teach Tina and Frankie an important test taking skill or strategy; students help Tina and Frankie practice the strategy at a test prep center. Students can easily relate to the animals’ struggles and they feel empowered as they help these two troubled test takers.

This unit includes:
•Tina, Test Taking Turtle and accompanying poem
•Frankie, Fumbling Fox and accompanying poem
•Detailed instructions on creating Test Prep centers and folders
•10 test taking tips (on both individual pages and on one whole page)
•10 lesson plans to teach test taking tips
•5 test prep activities (with literature connections) to boost self-esteem and motivation
•Customizable parent letters
•Test prep award
•Several color pictures show test prep in action!

Check it out at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Standardized-Test-Prep-Unit