I feel one of the biggest challenges of upper elementary state tests does not actually have anything to do with specific content. I mean, yes...it's important to have a solid base of the standards. However, I feel that testing "overwhelm" is our biggest culprit that robs students of confidence and stamina. With a few quick strategies in their toolbox, however, students will be able to conquer this challenge with ease!
Here are three practical strategies you can try with your students this week as testing season approaches.
Many students automatically start reading a long passage and get lost before they even know what they’re looking for.
Try this quick routine:
Have students circle the question first before reading.
Ask them to underline key words like main idea, best evidence, cause, effect, or theme.
Then have them read the passage with a purpose—looking specifically for information that answers the question.
A simple practice activity:
Give students a short passage and cover it. Let them read the questions first and predict what they should watch for when they uncover the passage. This builds intentional reading habits very quickly.
2. The “Cross It Out” Strategy (Process of Elimination)
Students often feel stuck when they see four answer choices. Teaching them that they don’t have to find the right answer immediately can lower a lot of pressure.
Model this thinking aloud:
Read all answer choices.
Cross out any answer that is clearly wrong.
Narrow it down to two choices.
Go back to the passage or problem to confirm.
A great mini-practice:
Put a question on the board and have students vote for which answer they would eliminate first and explain why. This helps them practice reasoning, not just guessing.
3. Teach a Simple Pacing Plan for Long Tests
Long assessments can feel overwhelming if students think they have to finish everything perfectly in order.
A helpful structure:
First Pass: Answer questions you feel confident about.
Mark & Skip: If something feels confusing, circle it and move on.
Second Pass: Return to the circled questions with fresh eyes.
One easy classroom practice:
Use a 10-minute “mini test sprint.” Students work through several questions quickly, skipping tough ones and returning later. This helps them learn that movement through the test is part of good strategy.
These small habits—reading questions first, eliminating answers, and pacing through a long test—can really empower students during state testing. When they feel like they have a plan, their confidence grows tremendously.
Here are a couple of resources designed to make the testing process easier for students!
Thank you for taking the time to help your students by learning how to empower them with some pretty helpful strategies!
Good luck in your continuing testing preparation!
:) Jennifer
No comments:
Post a Comment