#5thchat is for people interested in chatting about topics in education, especially as they relate to Grade 5. The goal is to connect people who enjoy learning & sharing, plus supporting & creating partnerships worldwide!
A1: Well, I don’t have my classroom yet, but I think it’s important for Ts to continue to keep students engaged. Maybe teach test material but don’t drill it into them. Keep lessons creative like any other lesson #5thchat#gccedu
A1 Good question. I try to keep it business as usual as best I can and review as normal with the help of a few activities or games. I let them know that they have been working all year for this and the test is only a reflection of all they've learned this year. #5thChat
A1: While I don't have personal experience with this yet, I think that the best way to incorporate test review without making it overwhelming would be to turn it into some type of game, like using Jeopardy or Kahoot, keeping it fun while still reviewing. #5thchat
A1 Since we don’t get a spring break and this year have had over 40 inches of snow in April, we have been working hard and no push back. Kids are totally in work mode. Thanks for the long winter I guess???#5thchat
Our classroom focus doesn’t transfer to “testing mentality”. We spiral through things we need to work on through morning groups and stations, but don’t inundate ourselves in test prep questions. We make sure to keep having fun while learning #5thchat
Yes, we do a lot of this. When I first started teaching, these apps and online games weren't available. I think it makes it a lot easier. So many Ts are contributing questions and review material. There is always something readily available.
#5thchat
A1: I implement activities and tasks that have students talking with one another and sharing what they know without doing a worksheet. We even take typical TEI questions and turn them into hands on activities. #5thchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A1 - I try to do the fewest practice tests possible that still allow my students to be exposed to all the different types of questions. I also do each test with them (& project it on the board) so we can talk about the reasons for each answer & the new challenges. #5thchat
A1: It's how I frame the testing itself. I put it in perspective of all that we do. I also have great success stories of alum who did both well and struggled. It does NOT define them. If anything it indicates MY ability to teach THEM. #5thchat
I started doing this with my class this year. Occasionally I have them work in groups and contribute what they know to an activity, a math problem, or a reading passage. #5thchat
A2: I’ve been learning about interactive formative assessments like @plickers@quizizz and @GetKahoot , some of these interactive games would be nice to get Ss excited about learn while still giving the T info on Ss knowledge.#5thchat#gccedu
Yes! I try to minimize any stress the tests might cause. We don't have a school culture that demands high test scores, so I'm able to tell my kiddos to just try their best & the results are more a reflection of my teaching than them. #5thchat
Discussion as a class takes off that individualized pressure of test prep! Hearing different thoughts and perspectives on situations and queation types=👍
A2 Hands on, drawing, games such as zap or basketball, talks with each other, projects that incorporate some of the skills they learned, races to beat their previous time or level #5thChat
Hi, I transform my room into a cafe, a game show, or a lab of some sort to ignite the excitement. I highly recommend the book Wild Card by @hopekingteach and @WadeKing7#5thchat
A1:We do this thing called blitz.About 4 to 5 days before each standardized test,each fifth grade teacher teaches standard a day 4 that content area;we teach the same lesson through out the day as fifth-graders rotate classrooms & get 4 activities/ 4 standards that day. #5thchat
I focus on formulas and geometry. We have a few days of measuring madness in the room. Area, volume, etc. These topics can get covered late every year so I take some time about now. #5thchat
A2 We play figurative lang. Jenga, affix checkers, analyze songs like “This is Me.” I try to change up the games every few days. They love it. #5thchat
A2: I would make test prep fun by playing games and using different types of technology, such as Kahoot, Jeopardy, Quizizz, and Plickers. Creating scavenger hunts is another fun way to review. #5thchat
A2 @ProdigyGame is aligned with our state test and we use it for one math round every day for two weeks before testing, Kids ❤️it. @breakoutboxes and @escaperooms are a fun and newer way to review and are engaging. #5thchat
A1 - I work hard to minimize the amount of time spent on “test prep.” We do daily number talks and I throw in an extra 2-3 minute review of past concepts, but I try not to do much more than that for standardized math tests. #5thchat
A3 I differentiate with different entry points on math tasks, build background information with small groups, and teach to my Ss who attend tutoring first to give them the chance to be leaders. #5thchat
A2 - Our school provides all students with 45 minutes of physical activity (gym or outside) on mornings of standardized tests. They get bananas too. #5thchat
A2: one way I help prepare for test prep, is have students create @GetKahoot on standards they struggled with. So by the time they finish creating it, they have a better understanding. #5thchat
A3: I think practicing test taking strategies like focus should be practiced throughout the school year leading up to the tests. Once testing becomes closer, then content should be emphasized more. Start with the basics and build. Hopefully Ss remember earlier material! #5thchat
A3: we analyze the data we’ve collected all year & the observations we’ve made. We collaborate as a team with specialists and “map out” a strategic plan to provide remediation, reinforcement, & enrichment opportunities. Whatever Ss need to succeed #5thchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A3: Giving students tips and advice about focusing on the test would be beneficial. Taking time each day to work on different parts of testing would be helpful for students. #5thchat
A3: Throughout the year I'm watching (I have 13 Ss per class) for what tools help Ss. Some like paper, ixl, khan, 1:1 with me. Even interventions can be specific. So at this time they have tool options. #5thchat
A4: I think giving Ss the chance to focus really hard on test material and then giving them rewards in spurts would be effective. Let them choose the rewards they want and what they need to accomplish to receive them, so they are more excited about the reward. #5thchat#gccedu
A3:for math,we use results from an EOY sum. test & analyze how students do on indiv. standards.We group them based on that & work out each standard w/groups needing help on the same things.Students that dont need help on the specific standards work on extension projects. #5thchat
A4 - I think this is most effective when it is intrinsic. Our goal is to help Ss develop a sense of pride in his or her work/effort. This effort starts from day 1. If we hype the test too much, we can end up causing unnecessary stress. #5thchat
A4 We will make a hot breakfast for our class before the test and continue our discussion of extrinsic motivation instead of intrinsic. This is how we discuss most topics. We do because it is right, not because we get something or rewarded.#5thchat
A4: morning announcements, we tell colleagues so they too can offer praise, we send @ClassDojo messages home. Our primary classes adopt out grade levels testing & make cards and banners for them. We also have a pep rally & schoolwide spirit-days. #5thChat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A4 - I honestly don't do anything more than show sincere appreciation for the time and effort they put into their work. They know I care about them much more than I do their grade, so they don't worry much about the results. #5thchat
A5: 1) be confident in what you’ve been teaching and what the Ss have been learning all year. Remember that testing is important but not the end all be all 2) build relationships from the start of the year and continue to develop and grow them throughout the year #5thchat#gccedu
A4 - I honestly don't do anything more than show sincere appreciation for the time and effort they put into their work. They know I care about them much more than I do their grade, so they don't worry much about the results. #5thchat
Q5: on Standardized testing days, morning work is always coloring! If students finish early I also throw some fun academic games on Google classroom and ask them to do a couple before letting them go free on @ProdigyGame, it’s a favorite. We also do a super long recess #5thchat
A5 Our Ss do not have HW on testing days (we only assign minimal HW on a daily basis). They also know we believe in them know matter what. #buildrelationships#5thchat
A5: I put new genius projects on hold till after testing (for my sanity). They chomping at the bit! I've given them vision beyond this test window. #5thchat
A5: I think that just telling our students how important they are and how a test doesn't define their worth will show students the importance of their well-being. For teachers, just taking time to relax will take the stress off. #5thchat
A5: Remind then that they are #morethanatestscore. You have to have a relationship established well BEFORE testing begins- show them that you care about them and who they are. #5thchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
I am also starting to lean towards less and less homework. I think they do enough in class throughout the day. Also, if Ss are struggling with something in class, chances are it will not be any better at home. Possibly lead to more frustration and loss of confidence. #5thchat
A6: We could have students vote in a Google form on the information they want to review, have students who already understand the content teach to small groups, stations for different content areas with standards would also allow student choice. #5thchat#gccedu
A6 - A simple start would be to ask the class, what do you need so that you feel ready for “the test?” An empowered class will take the discussion from there! #5thchat
A6. We have been “brain dumping” this week by writing everything we learned on whiteboards and having Ss share what they mean. My co-worker and I sit back and smile when we see how excited they are sharing everything they have learned. Great review and student led. #5thchat
A6: Having students choose how they want to review could be a good way to involve them in test prep. We could also ask students what they feel they need the most work on, and review that. #5thchat
A6: I've enjoyed assigning my students a Responsibility Partner, doing a practice test together, then pairing up with another pair of students and going over the results. They actually had a fun time with it! I walked around and helped with hard problems & gave feedback. #5thchat
I have done Google Form surveys in order to gauge how the students prefer to work (1:1, with me, small group, etc.) and what they would like to work on. It was effective and I have already done with one of my classes. - #5thchat
A6: incorporate student voice and choice. Create groups that teach one another about various topics. Allow Ss to step up and become the “experts”. #5thchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A6: So simple, but I have had Ss write anything they aren't clear about on the board, and then other Ss who are go up and explain them...it goes so much farther than you would think, yet so easy! #5thchat
Thanks everyone for participating in this evening's #5thchat! Hope you'll be back next week as @Tikaee moderates on "Metacognition."
Thanks so much @MrNasife for moderating this evening on short notice! Great discussion everyone!!!
A8 My Ss have told me that the tests don’t feel like tests because we do constructed responses and read complex text all of the time. The high cognitive demand is always there. They don’t complain😊👍🏼 #5thchat
A1 keep review fun and focused! Don’t toss collaboration, discussion, or hands on just bc testing season has arrived! Keep it exciting, engaging and fresh! #5thchat
A8: Help your students know that you understand how exhausting testing is. Give them little notes and treats each day to encourage them at the start of the day. #5thchat#gccedu
