Ugh… I know as a study I dreaded hearing the word “test”… especially if it was a math test! I don’t know how many nights I sat up with my dear old dad going over math equations… he was so patient with me (unfortunately I was never as patient with him!) I know that many of my students face the same anxiety and stress that I did when it comes to testing. Sooo… I’m so excited that Adrienne from The Tutor House blog has come up with a linky for Test Prep Tips! I think it’s a topic that deserves so much more discussion and sharing among teachers… so be sure to check out the other bloggers who have linked up.
I think that much of my students’ anxiety stems from poor test prep skills – they skim their notes or their textbook while watching tv, texting their friends or scanning facebook… and they don’t focus entirely at the task at hand.
I think today’s kids are the ultimate multi-taskers – however, I don’t think they’re doing any of their tasks very well!
Here are a few ways that I use sticky notes during test prep with my students.
1. I ask students to put a sticky note on the board with two questions they think I should include on the test. I always include several of the suggestions.
2. Put a sticky note on the board with 1-2 topics you’re still confused about. I do this a few days before the test so that I have time to go over each question with the class. I love the anonymity that this technique provides – I get a board full of questions but nobody had to put their hand up and admit what they are struggling with!
3. I’ll write a question or topic on the board and ask students to do a practice run with their answer on a sticky note. I get to see how many students are on track or way off and I can focus my review work where I need to. It’s amazing how much information students can fit on a sticky note – so I can sometimes do 2-3 questions per sticky!
4. I ask students to share a study strategy with a friend and post their technique on the board – I then discuss and share the ideas with the class.
I always get my sticky notes from the dollar store and try to have different colors and sizes on hand… the kids can pick and choose from a bucket of sticky notes at the front of the class. Students respond well to these techniques and I love that nobody has to be embarrassed to admit that they are struggling or doesn’t know an answer to a question. Students also appreciate the opportunity to get some help several days before the test.
Here’s a link to a test prep technique I use with sticky notes – you can download it FREE in my TpT Store.
Here’s a link to a test prep technique I use with sticky notes – you can download it FREE in my TpT Store.
Here’s another TEST PREP idea I have for sale in my TpT shop – it’s a poster set of Key Words used on tests.
I hope these ideas are helpful!
Addie
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I love this idea Adria! That is half the battle at this age-admitting you are struggling. Thank you for taking the time to link up to my Test Prep linky.
We are knee deep in test prep and I am looking for all the help I can get to help my kids. Thanks for sharing your sticky notes idea. I have some motivational test taking ideas over on my blog. I hope you'll check them out. ~Stacy @ http://new-in-room-202.blogspot.com
I would like to see the back to school sticky ideas, but the link only goes to test prep
Hi – would love to know where you linked from so I could fix the link. Here's the post I have using sticky notes for back to school.
Back to School With Sticky Notes – Creating a Caring Classroom
Thanks for stopping by!
Addie