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Rockin' the Test with LESS Anxiety

As the month nears the end, so does our month long series of "Rockin' the Test with Less Prep and Less Stress."  Today's topic includes ways to relief anxiety.

My son is 12 and is autistic.  He is SOOOO smart, but HATES tests.  His perfectionism does not help the situation at all.  Before any major tests, we go through a routine to help calm his nerves and help him understand what to expect.  Through him and a few others that I have taught along the way, I have learned a thing or two about how I can help the kids not stress out quite so much.  

Here are some of the things we do:

• Schedule breaks--Sometimes we (teachers) can't control the schedule we are given in which we must test.  But, whenever possible, allow the kids to get up and move around.  Just knowing there will be some time to relax can help!  

• Let the kids eat mints or chew gum--Not only is there research that peppermint can "open" up the mind, but having something in their mouth can help them focus on something besides their anxiety.

• Practice breathing techniques--Slow, thoughtful breathing can help relax the body and the mind.  

• Give them something to look forward to--Plan some fun in the afternoon, assign NO homework all week, let them bring in a stuffed animal from home.  Any of these things can give a child something to look forward to and focus on rather than the anxiety they are feeling.

• Stretches and exercise--Before, during a break, and after the test allow them to do some stretches, get their "wiggles" out, and maybe even play a game!  In my class, during each break, we played a quick round of silent ball.  Kids who wanted to participate could move around the room quietly to play the game.  Those who wanted to just stretch or walk around could do that.  Everyone had to stay quiet (classrooms nearby were still testing and we weren't "allowed" to let them talk with tests to finish).  

• It's all about the wording--Unfortunately, some states have adopted policies that we know are NOT in the students' best interests.  However, right before the test is not the time to remind kids that if they don't pass the test, they don't (fill in the blank with your state's threat!).  Instead, reassure them that this is similar to the classroom tests we take each week in our class.  They are testing ME, not you.  I just want to see what you know, what you are learning, and what I still need to teach you.  Using words that put the "work" on you instead of the kids can really ease stress!

Whatever you decide to do, just make sure YOU stay calm and relaxed.  If you are calm, they will feed off that energy and be calm too.  Remember, you are a super HERO to them and they look up to you.  Here's to a SUPER year of state testing for you and your kids!

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Check out these previous posts about ways to prepare for the state testing:

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Rockin' the online test with Scootpad!

 

Many teachers are getting nervous this year because in addition to taking a completely new test, their students will be taking it online! It doesn't help that the data coming out of the schools that beta tested the system last year is dismal. I scoured the internet looking for something (other than the few sample test questions) for my students to do to get test prep practice, and I was excited to find a free program called Scootpad!

With Scootpad, Students can write and draw on the questions, skip questions, and answer fill-in-the-bank. When we first started using Scootpad in my classroom, even my top students were getting less than 50% on the activities! After two months of using it once a week and at home, most of them are getting close to 100%! It really shows what a transition it is from paper problems to computerized problems!

My favorite part about Scootpad is that you have control over what type of questions they're reviewing. I whipped out my data and looked for the standards my class was struggling with as a whole. You can also create assignments for individual students. 

After you setup your class and add your students, it's very easy to add a new assignment and select a few standards for them to work on. You can also choose how many 10-question assignments to have them work on. I usually do 4 assignments for each standard.

 

Not only is Scootpad great practice, but my students really enjoy it. They like using the computers and they love the rewards you can earn in Scootpad. The last 5 minutes of every session I allow them to look through the reward section of the website. They can buy avatars, wallpapers, and  games with the coins they get for completely assignments. You can also assign your own rewards, such as candy and homework passes. When they "redeem" in their Scootpad account, you can view it in your teacher account. At the end of every week I go through and hand out all of the rewards.

  Is your school taking your state test online this year? Tell us in the comments below!  

Making Test Prep Fun!

Let's face it... when the word "testing" is mentioned, here are some things that happen:

• blood pressure rises
• palms begin to sweat
• brains go haywire
• nerves are shot
• stomachs begin to ache
• heart rate rises
• breathing quickens

Did you think I was talking about the students? That is just the teachers! 

Now think about what our poor students are feeling! They experience the same symptoms that we do. Testing, in most cases, can be summed up in one word - STRESSFUL!

It's February, and most of us won't test until May. That means we still have plenty of time to teach our students (and ourselves) to R-E-L-A-X! We know we have done our jobs, and we know our students are wonderful, so now we just all have to take a deep breath.

My best tip for testing is to prepare early. How can you do that?

1. Talk about "THE TEST!" I mention it to my students weekly, if not daily. I let them know that what we are learning will be on the test. I think talking about it often lets them be more comfortable with it. They know they will be taking it and they know it's important. So let's talk about it! :)
2. Make learning fun! Sure, sometimes they have to listen to us talk. There are certainly times for them to listen, be quiet, and take notes. But if you can, make learning fun! This can be done through projects, task cards, interactive white board games, BINGO games... the list goes on.
3. Take brain breaks! If you've ever read any of my posts, then you know how much I love brain breaks! My particular favorite is Go Noodle! This is a FREE site that allows students to be active during transitional times or just when they need a break! My students love it so much that I ordered them Go Noodle valentines. They were a hit!
4. Change it up! I am a person that thrives on routine. Now obviously, there are never two days exactly the same when it comes to being in the classroom! However, most days, I can stick to a schedule. My students know that we will do Daily 5 for an hour each morning. They know after lunch to get out their Wordly Wise vocabulary books. Sometimes, though, when I'm going on and on and on about a topic in math, I can see their minds wander. When this happens, I change it up and I always get them back on task. Stop and do something different - a quick check for understanding, a turn-and-talk activity, a quick brain break... anything. Just a change of pace, even a fast one, will work wonders.
5. Play "Beat the Teacher!" - This is always a hit in the classroom. This is a simple game that is guaranteed to get your students' attention! Simply pick a topic and come up with some questions. If the students get the questions right - they get points. If they get the questions wrong - the points go to the teacher! The object of the game is to get more points than the teacher, hence the name, "Beat the Teacher!" I have created five math games for "Beat the Teacher." These are for sale in my store if you're interested. They will be on sale for $1 each through Tuesday!  Also, I will be happy to create new "Beat the Teacher" games. If you have an idea, please leave a comment below and I will create it and post it in my store. 

Here are my "Beat the Teacher" games, available in my store if you're interested:

I hope I've given you a few new ways to relax before the big test. Just remember, as a teacher, you've put your heart and soul into your students, so don't be too hard on yourself. Do your job to the best of your ability, set high expectations for your students, and then relax.

You've got this!

Test Prep Ideas- Rockin the Test (with Rockin Resources)

Test Prep 

Do you cringe when you enter a faculty meeting in the middle of the year and you see THE DREADED TEST on the agenda?  I know that our principals need to prepare us for THE DREADED TEST, but seriously?   I can't quite wrap my brain around THE DREADED TEST when I have a million and one things swirling through my head.  On that very day, I had to email a few parents, grade an assessment, get manipulatives ready for the next day, text my son about his ride home, and ignore my husband's text asking what was for dinner!  On that very day I was dealing with Johnny poking his classmates, Jilly crying because her friend hurt her feelings, Jason who refused to do his work, Jeanie who didn't understand my inferencing lesson, a parent concerned about her child's grades, another parent who was upset about cafeteria food, another parent who didn't want her child sitting by Johnny, and one more who was upset with me that I didn't make a BIG deal about his daughter's birthday.  Goodness!  You know what I'm talking about.   It seems like THE DREADED TEST is so far away and we are no way near ready!  Don't stress me out too early!

Well like all of us, I got through the day.  I learned a few good tips about THE DREADED TEST and packed it away for when I was mentally ready for it.  I dealt with all the daily issues, got ready for the next day, and took the rest home.  (Hubby picked up take-out.)

So, how DO I deal with THE DREADED TEST?

First, I don't talk about THE DREADED TEST with my students until we are ready for review and  test-taking strategies.  Stressing them out is not productive.  Let me stress.  We all know that no matter how much we stress, that day will come and it will go.  The end.  We know we work hard assessing students and finding the best possible lessons to meet their individual needs.  I can't tell you not to worry about it, because we have so much invested in THE DREADED TEST.  However, keep in mind that Johnny may come to school hungry, Jilly will be worried and over sensitive, Jason might be reluctant to start, and Jeanie is going to be stumped over a few questions.  It happens and you know what?  It is ok.  We are all human!

When it is time to mention THE DREADED TEST, I try my very best to be UPBEAT and POSITIVE.  I start by reading the book Testing Miss Malarky by Judy Finchler.  Click on the book to purchase it from Amazon!

Here is a youtube of someone reading the book:

Testing Miss Malarky Youtube

Then we start a review through homework, whole group, and independent activities.

1.  Homework- A month prior to the test, I divide the subject matter up into 4 sections.  Since I teach SS and Language Arts, I do the same for both subjects.  Student receive a study guide, nightly assignments, and a quiz at the end of each week.  This has proven to be a  highly effective technique for review and keeps students accountable for the material. 

2.  Whole Group- In order to monitor students closely to see who may still need help in certain areas, I like to review as a whole group.  One way to keep students' attention is to review through games.  My favorite is Jeopardy.  Here is a free template offered online.  FREE JEOPARDY TEMPLATE There are others too, JUST google- FREE JEOPARDY TEMPLATES.   Click on the games below if interested in reviews in a 3-5 classroom.   I will put them on sale for the next 5 days!

3.  Independent- My favorite independent practice for students is the app Quizlet.  Often times I allow my students to make quizlets and share them with our class.  For the end of year review, I like my students to use the ones I create to make sure they are getting everything they need for review.  What I like about this app is that it tracks time and students compete against each other.  They love it!

Last, I teach Test Taking Strategies.  Whatever the EOY test may be (I say that because I teach in South Carolina and we keep changing our EOY tests, HA), I create a quick Powerpoint with the directions of the test and review the EXACT words with my students.  This may lead to a discussion on a particular word they may not be familiar to them and will avoid explanation and anxiety the day of THE DREADED TEST!  I also go through general TEST TAKING STRATEGIES with them.  The next thing you know, THE DREADED TEST is over!!!!  Can I get a woo woo???

I hope you found some useful information here.  UPPER GRADE MEMOIRS has many talented teachers brainstorming ways to help you in your classroom!  Come back for more ideas!

Rockin' the Test with Apps and Website Applications

Whether you have a limited number of hand-held devices or 1 to 1 iPads for you classroom, I have some ideas for you in preparing for assessments. Or, you can actually use these apps and websites for formative assessment tools. I'm Sandy Cangelosi with Sweet Integrations. This month our group is sharing ideas so your students can ROCK THE TEST!

1. Plickers

I love Plickers because it's an easy way to pre-assess your students before you begin a unit to see what they already know, assess while you're teaching a unit, or at the end of the unit as a formal assessment. You only need one device for the teacher and students need cards. The teacher just scans the student cards as they display their answers. Each side of the card is labeled with a letter. Students show the letter with the correct answer at the top. Teachers just go to the Plickers website to register their class and download the app on their iPhone or iPad. Make copies of the cards on cardstock so they're sturdy. I would not suggest laminating because of the glare. I wouldn't recommend this for a formal assessment because students can easily see what cards are being held.

Watch this video to learn a bit more.

2. Kahoot 

Kahoot is another response system that is game based. Teachers or even students create a free account. Each student or groups of students have a device or computer with a web browser. Quizzes, discussions and surveys (called Kahoots) can be created. This is highly motivating because it's game-based. The students go to http://kahoot.it and enter the PIN number that corresponds with the activity or quiz and then add their name. As the questions appear, students choose their answers. Students try to get the highest number of points. 

Watch this cute video to get an idea of how Kahoot works.

3. Classkick

This is an app is for the iPad. It's fairly new and has received high ratings. I like Classkick because teachers can create the lessons, students work during real time and they can receive instant feedback as they work. Students can even request help from the teacher or from other students while working on the assignment. Classkick is an excellent resource for review.

Teachers

Teachers can see the whole class working at once on his/her device and see how each individual student is performing. The students can work at their own pace.

Students

If a student needs help, he/she can ask for help privately on their device. The teacher can reteach a concept on the device so the whole class can see.  Or, a student can receive tutoring from another student in class. Students can even use this free app at home!

How Does it work?

After the teacher creates an account, there are several step-by step tutorial videos to watch before actually creating assignments. Teachers can then add their students to their roster. Screenshots can be added from your google drive, the web or images from your camera roll. Images can be cropped and rearranged to fit on the page. Text, audio and video can be added to the workspace and links to websites. Next, students are given the class code so they can complete the assignment and so their instructor can view their work.

I can imagine so many uses for this new app. Teachers can use ClassKick for social studies, math skills, reading comprehension, and review for tests. I love how students can get immediate feedback and work closely with their classmates.

If you're looking for my ways to prepare your students for tests, take a look at this editable PowerPoint. All you have to do is enter your questions and answers. It's discounted for one week.

Computation Intervention {with The Primary Gal}

Please tell me that I'm not alone in wondering where to begin with test preparation.  Do you start with the basics such as computation?  Problem solving?  Technology skills?  Ahhhh!  It can be overwhelming and time is so precious.  Prior to Christmas break, I began to think about what routines I have in place as well as what I need to implement during the spring semester to ensure that my students were prepped and ready for that dreaded test. 

I like to use daily routines for spiral review to ensure that students are being repeatedly exposed to grade level content.  Each day, I lay out one card with a computation problem.  Students have ONE shot at getting this answer completed correctly.  They must show all of their work in order to receive credit.  I have a rotation in which I use for the problems each day based on the weaknesses that I am seeing with my students.  I am currently rotating through adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions, as well as basic multiplication and division.  We have completed five rounds with this set of skills and I am getting ready to rock their world when I move to harder material such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing mixed numbers, as well as multiplying and dividing decimals.

I allow my students to complete this problem at any time throughout the morning and I begin checking their answers during study hall (12:00-12:30).  Obviously, I cannot display my student data in a picture but this is similar to what I do.  If they have the problem correct, I place a check next to their name. As they return their practice pages the following day, I put a star next to their name.  At a quick glance, I can see who consistently answers problems correctly (checks), incorrectly (stars), or does not complete homework (completely blank).

For students who do not correctly answer the question, I give them a coordinating practice page for homework.  I love this intervention because it targets only the students who need the practice without taking away precious class time.  Each page includes a QR Code that allows the students to check their own work before turning it in.

So here is the data!  I am slightly embarrassed with my first round numbers.  Out of 37 students, in my first round through basic computation, I had MANY errors.  Many of them were just simple errors while a few students were TOTALLY off track.  Either way, they received twelve additional problems for homework that evening.  By round three, I was extremely happy with their progress and feel that the additional practice has been an effective way for making sure that students are mastering these computation skills without taking away time from other review and test prep.

I had a parent question why I was using ONE question to determine if they needed additional homework on that particular skill.  My justification is that there may only be ONE problem on high stakes testing that determines if they know how to complete this skill.  I need them to be able to demonstrate in ONE problem what they can do and do it accurately.  It also encourages students to SLOW DOWN.  I often remind them that it makes more sense to take your time on that one problem than to rush through and receive additional homework.

By clicking the image above, you can grab my Computation Intervention Club or choose custom products to build an intervention plan that will help your students the most.  

Rockin' the Test with Less Stress on Teachers AND Students!

If you’re a teacher in grades 3 and up, you’re probably approaching (or maybe you’re already there) that dreaded crunch time before state testing arrives. This time is typically accompanied with anxiety, tension, and stress for both students and teachers.

What makes standardized testing so stressful? Maybe it’s the actual method by which they are administered?

1. They are rigidly timed.
2. Instructions are complicated.
3. Rules are inflexible.
4. The room is completely rearranged.
5. Day-to-day life in the classroom is interrupted.

These are all things that (at this point) are out of our control. So, until a law is passed with less emphasis on high-stakes testing, we must find a way to muddle through the mess, calm our nerves (and student’s nerves), and ease the stress of testing. There’s many ways to do this as teachers.

When it comes to testing we want our students to perform well. We know that scores will be analyzed, published in newspapers and on websites, and banners will be given to exemplary schools. Teachers are even analyzed based on “their” test scores. We know that this can in turn affect our teaching position for the following year, or even worse – our paycheck! Naturally this brings about a high degree of stress on teachers.

How can we, as teachers, limit that stress?

Create a Positive Atmosphere

One thing I’ve learned in 14 years of teaching is that my students can read me pretty well. They know when I’m in a bad mood. They know when I’m tired. They know when they should be on their best behavior. They know when I’m stressed out! These feelings and emotions I have in the classroom affects my students.

Create an atmosphere in your classroom that makes students feel at ease. Praise them for their hard work. Encourage them with words like, “You’ve got this,” or “You can do this.” Reassurance goes a long way - especially when it’s coming from their teacher. Remaining calm and friendly will help ease their nerves. It’s important that your students not see you upset or worried (even if you are).

Get students excited!

Yes, I know…excited about taking a test? Excited about taking a 3 hour test? What student gets excited about that? Well, the reality is, standardized testing is not going to go away (or at least not anytime soon), so we might as well try to make it as enjoyable as possible for students. Give your students magic pencils or special stickers to wear. Before the test, allow your students to show off how smart they are by playing review games and competing against each other in class.

In my classroom, students get special testing “treats” on their desk each day of testing. For example, I might leave a note on each student’s desk that says, “You’re one smart cookie!” with a few cookies for a snack, or “You can lick this test!” with a sucker attached. On the last day, I like to leave a note that says, “This test is o-fish-ally over!” with a bag of Goldfish Crackers. We typically test for 3-4 days straight, so my students love coming in each morning to see what special treat I’ve left them that day. By doing this I transform anxiety into excitement!

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Not knowing what to expect naturally evokes fear and anxiety – especially in children. Practice taking similar tests before the “REAL” test. Follow through with testing protocol just as if students were taking the big test. Allow students time to practice bubbling answers (since this is not typically how we assess students throughout the year). Practice time management, by administering the test with time limits. Giving students the opportunity to experience this different way of testing will ease their fears, and they will know exactly what to expect come testing day.

Involve Parents!

Inform parents about the test, when it will be administered, and what they can do at home to help ease the stress of testing for their child. Simple tips for parents like – going to bed early, eating a healthy breakfast, and encouraging their child to do their best – can go a long way!

Along with keeping my parents informed about testing, I also send home a special letter and blank note. I ask parents to write a letter on the blank note encouraging their child to do their best. In my letter I instruct them to send the note back with a picture that’s special to their child. During testing days, I display each note and picture on a bulletin board in our classroom. Sometimes I receive family pictures, pictures with a child and their pet, or pictures with grandparents. It always varies, but the notes and pictures serve as a reminder to each child that they have support and encouragement from home as well. They love reading the notes and looking at the pictures. They can visually see how much support they have from home just by glancing at the bulletin board. 

Relax!

As I said before, test anxiety and stress doesn't just occur in students.  WE (teachers) feel it, too. You've no doubt done an excellent job to prepare your students for this day. Now, let them do their job to show off what they have learned. Most (notice I said “most”) students want to please their teacher and parents. We have to hope that students will take the test(s) seriously, but it’s easy to play through scenarios in our mind. What if they don’t look back for the answers? What if they don’t work out the math problems? What if they don’t finish in time? Is there REALLY anything we, as teachers, can do about it? As I like to say, “It is what it is.” Stressing about it gets us nowhere, but of course that’s sometimes easier said than done. (By the way, I’m preaching to the choir here.) J The most important part is relaxing and remaining calm around our students. A student’s anxiety can be contagious, but it will be easier to get them to relax if you’re relaxed!

Above I mentioned the special desk treats and parent letters I display on a bulletin board in my classroom.  Below, you will find my testing treat tags (treats not included – sorry), and a copy of the letter and blank note I send home to students. This product is available in my store. Click on the images for a closer look!

     

Best of luck with testing, and don’t worry – Your students are going to do great! More times than not, they surprise us!