test preparation – Astute Hoot

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