Welcome to this week's RCS Twitter Chat. Tonight, we will be sharing favorite test prep tools and techniques. Let us know who is here. Please introduce yourself and share your favorite superhero with us. Remember to use the hashtag #RCSTechChat
I am so excited to have everyone join! I am Debby Sadler, RMS Tech Coach and your moderator for this evening. My favorite superhero is Ironman.
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A1: I love BrainPop for quick reviews. Also, Class Dojo helps me quickly and randomly select or group kiddos, as well as time. For math fluency, Greg Tang Kakooma on the board. #rcstechchat
A1 Quizlet Live is awesome because the kiddos get so excited to compete to be 1st to answer the questions correctly. It is a great collaboration tool and if they miss one, they are taken back to the beginning--which means students get more practice with the content!
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A1 Quizizz is awesome too! It allows collaboration and the teacher can gather data and it gives feedback to the kiddos!
#rcstechchathttps://t.co/omqjaRK4p5
A2-scavenger hunt with students in teams competing against each other & station rotations with spiral review practice have been the favorites this year.
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We do vocabulary review. We make it into a competition among other classes and teachers. The whole class has to get it right before winning a point. Positive peer pressure. #rcstechchat
A. 2 I like to make game show competitions for my Ss to break up the boring part of reviewing. They compete against other classes or each other. #RCSTechChat
I like to pull out old exams and have them circle items they need a refresher on. It's a nice way to get some individualization into a roster of nearly 200... If a bunch of people wonder about a certain topic, I'll sometimes group them up to figure it out together.
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A2 I do an alternate form of “Grudgeball” where you only get points for your team and then you get even more points for bouncing a ping pong ball into a bucket. It’s easy, cuz I can read questions straight off the test. #RCSTechChat
A2 i like to use peer tutoring where students pose the questions and areas they need help with to their peers the Peers teach it as the teacher observed and facilitated as needed #RCSTechChat#avid
A2 I like to pull out old exams and have them circle items they need a refresher on. It's a nice way to get some individualization into a roster of nearly 200. If a bunch of people wonder about a certain topic, I'll sometimes group them up to figure it out together.
#RCSTechChat
One of my former teachers taught us the "flyswatter game" and it has been a hit ever since! Vocabulary and terms are on the board and the students participate in a relay to find the correct term first.
A2- station rotations with different formats of questions and listen/engage in their discussions arriving at the answer. Getting down to the 50/50 on multiple choice. The power of motivational music telling them “they can” #RCSTechChat
A2- gallery walks and scavenger hunts were always something the kids liked to do. And I Have Who Has to see which class gets the best time. #rcstechchat
A2 I do an alternate form of “Grudgeball” where you only get points for your team and then you get even more points for bouncing a ping pong ball into a bucket. It’s easy, cuz I can read questions straight off the test. #RCSTechChat
Group students and ask review questions... keep score.. and let them have the opportunity for extra points by shooting a tiny basketball into small goal (or trashcan)
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A2–I can’t see q2, and the tweetdock was kind of a bust for me. I’m going to infer the question was about low tech test prep. My CDC class likes to play different types of Bingo. #RCSTechChat
A2 I haven't used them yet for test prep... but I want to do an Escape Room for test prep. The kiddos absolutely love Escape Room activities
https://t.co/WBkAGNw02L#rcstechchat
A2- Favorite French review is fly swatter or avalanche for verb conjugation. English we do DBQ practice to help support our writing with evidence. #rcstechchat
A2-Group students and ask review questions... keep score.. and let them have the opportunity for extra points by shooting a tiny basketball into small goal (or trashcan) #RCSTechChat
A2 I haven't used them yet for test prep... but I want to do an Escape Room for test prep. The kiddos absolutely love Escape Room activities
https://t.co/WBkAGNw02L#rcstechchat
A2- we also used to play slide the eraser. Mark different point areas off on the board and if they get the question right they slide the eraser down the tray to get points. Silly but they loved it. #rcstechchat
A3 This is a hard one for me. It helps me to take a deep breath each day and remember that I enjoy being with the kiddos and find humor in their personalities. Prioritization helps me..... focusing only on priorities during this time alleviates stress for me.
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As we review for the test every question they get right they get a ticket. Then after testing is over they get to put their tickets in to win different prizes! They are so engaged and are so excited when they get their tickets! #RCSTechChat
Although I do not actually administer a test these days, when I was in the classroom, I made sure to make personal connections, pats on backs, affirming words to each student, each day. #RCSTechChat
A3- During reviews reminding students that at the beginning of the year they thought a topic was so difficult and now they understand and can do the skill.
Constant verbal & written feedback on what they did correct & what to improve on.
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A3 I reward the winners with either extra credit or candy, and let them know that if they don’t do very well, they can always retake the test. #RCSTechChat
A3 Giving the kids a pep talk and telling them that what matters most is just remaining calm and doing their best helps relieve anxiety for me and them. I also love to give them treats
https://t.co/mM2nsrvSTA#rcstechchat
A3 I throw down full transparency. I share with them the resources I have that educates me on their exam and remind them that we've spent almost a year practicing. Also, lots of games and practice until it feels easy.
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A3- I always encourage students in my PE class to do their very best during activities. I ensure them that all I want them to do is give 100% everyday. I always encourage all students to be supportive of one another each and every day no matter skill level #RCSTechChat
A3: Students need to know to never compare themselves with others. This is a competition against themselves. Their goal is to better their own abilities and try their best.
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A3 Retweeting: Although I do not actually administer a test these days, when I was in the classroom, I made sure to make personal connections, pats on backs, affirming words to each student, each day. #RCSTechChat
A3: This is hard! I like to show them old work they have done and compare it to more recent things. They are amazed & encouraged by their growth. Also, just having strong relationships. #rcstechchat
A3. My team has tried to over prepare them by providing more rigorous assessments throughout the year. This allows us to assure them that if they are prepared for those tests, they'll be able to handle EOC's. Deep breathing and class discussion go a long way as well! #RCSTechChat
A3-I have pretty good relationship with most of the kids. We work on how to take apart a question and work on easy questions and push to the harder ones. I tell them daily that this material is easy and you got it!! Relax and Just yourself! #rcstechchat
A3 - I try not to focus too much on the need to do too much test prep close to testing. I rather let students focus on skills post-testing. I try to diminish the overwhelming test prep atmosphere in the mini-school, in the class.
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A3 I I try to think about the environment are the students comfortable do they feel stressed is it fun is it engaging.. then create stations do simple Brain breaks #RCSTechChat
A3 - Preparation is a great anxiety breaker. I teach them how to study Spanish. This may take all year for some students to buy into the program, but for the ones that do the preparation their lives are so much easier.
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A3-Celebrate success! Try to make review fun and not a chore. We always did a theme for TCAP week and had motivational videos and fun teacher skits. Make them laugh that calms them down. #rcstechchat
A3 Constant reassurance is a must. My team is using "testing bucks" for showing up & giving it their all. Bucks are used to buy way into movie at school & for snacks while watching. #RCSTechChat
A3 - I always just did a lot of positive talk and put very little stress on the test itself, because to be honest it is too late to stress anyways. #rcstechchat
A3 - I always just did a lot of positive talk and put very little stress on the test itself, because to be honest it is too late to stress anyways. #rcstechchat
A3 - I always just did a lot of positive talk and put very little stress on the test itself, because to be honest it is too late to stress anyways. #rcstechchat
A3) We break out into a quick review of things we haven't looked at in many months explicitly. We spend time in the computer labs getting familiar with the platform and reminding one another- it's just a test (and we have been preparing all year to rock it!) #rcstechchat
A4: I tell them, IF you get to a problem that you do not know, take a deep breath, tell yourself you've got this. Move on then come back at the end. #RCSTechChat
A4 -remember to answer ALL the questions even if you have to use an educated guess. You have a chance of getting it right instead of a blank answer you have no chance at all.
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"Relax your face!" Seriously, try it right now. Why is your jaw to tense? Why aren't your eyebrows relaxed? I feel this mindful and purposeful relaxation brings only good things.
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A4. I remind my students to read the questions first to avoid spending time on unnecessary passages. I have many students that get stuck on questions, so reminding them to skip and come back really helps them manage their time! #RCSTechChat
A4"Relax your face!" Seriously, try it right now. Why is your jaw to tense? Why aren't your eyebrows relaxed? I feel this mindful and purposeful relaxation brings only good things.
#RCSTechChat
A4 I also like for students to not spend too much time on a question. I tell them to give their best answer and mark it to revisit if there is time at the end.
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A3- keeping engaging lessons and expectations high from Day 1. Things don’t change one “the test” is here. Our classroom status quo of excellence and personal best goes for 180 days. #RCSTechChat
Just remember to put your A4 format:)
A4-Relax your face!" Seriously, try it right now. Why is your jaw to tense? Why aren't your eyebrows relaxed? I feel this mindful and purposeful relaxation brings only good things.
#rcstechchat
A4-The hardest yet one of the most important is to get students to not just close their book and put their heads down. I offered HUGE incentives for working to the end of time, checking and rechecking work, and checking bubbles.I swear it made a difference. #rcstechchat
I taught Science so I told them they could almost always eliminate two answers right away so if they didn’t know the answer try eliminating answers first and then choose the one that was the best answer. #rcstechchat
A4: We talked about mnemonic devices today. We made one together to help with writing. C-PIGS. Capitalization, punctuation, indent, grammar, and spelling. It was silly & fun, but I think they'll remember! #rcstechchat
A4) I always tell my kiddos to answer the question in their heads first - before reading the answers. Then you are just checking for how correct you already knew you were! If that fails, eliminate the worst and go with your (educated) guess.
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A4: Read all material the night before with NO distractions then go right to bed. Your brain will do all the work of processing information so your recall is better at test time. Fact. #RCSTechChat
A4–I model the thought process in answering test questions. I’m just transitioning to CDC this year, so I have to stop myself if I start to get too technical and start losing them. #RCSTechChat
A4 - Catch up on sleep a few days before the test, not just the night before. Anxiety can set in the night before causing sleeplessness. If you are well rested before the night of, you can still be alert for test day.
A4- If you could read it 763 times and still not have clarity, mark C and MOVE ON! Save your energy and positivity for the next play. One play (question) at a time. Champions don’t fret over the previous play. They make it up on the next one. #RCSTechChat
A4) I always tell my kiddos to answer the question in their heads first - before reading the answers. Then you are just checking for how correct you already knew you were! If that fails, eliminate the worst and go with your (educated) guess.
#rcstechchat
A4- If you could read it 763 times and still not have clarity, mark C and MOVE ON! Save your energy and positivity for the next play. One play (question) at a time. Champions don’t fret over the previous play. They make it up on the next one. #RCSTechChat
A5 One thing I do to keep stress levels down is that I force myself take 5 minutes to sit/stand quietly alone (even if I don't have time). If it is sunny, I step outside for 5 minutes and take a few deep breaths. I also surround myself with things like this...
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A5 I realize that I've been putting in a high level of effort all year. I've done my best. And like the old adage goes, my best is all I can do. The rest isn'y up to me, so why worry? #RCSTechChat
A5 I also like to listen to my favorite music more during times like these... 80s music is my favorite during stressful times :)
#rcstechchathttps://t.co/jlTMIKY6Ka
A5: Engage in some PBL, STEAM or Genius hour each day. Give your self the opportunity to ENJOY your students in a different learning domain. #rcstechchat
A5 luckily I have good co workers and sometimes we have to remind each other that we have worked our tails off all year and done the best we can with what we have and to not let the test define us as teachers.
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A5: The kids still come to Related arts during testing week. This is usually one of the breaks they get in their long day. I try to keep my class very fun and low key duting this time and minimize their stress. #rcstechchat
A5- I allow myself plenty of time before testing to make sure I have everything in order. I make sure to double check everything. I also tell myself the same thing I tell my students. Relax! #RCSTechChat
A5 As someone said earlier, it is just a test and it doesn't define me or my students! I like that in the afternoons we can do the fun things that we normally don't get to do other times of the year. #RCSTechChat
A5-I put my effort into doing stuff for the kids. I think it is not me who is taking the test & I have done the best I can. I make them treats and we would plan awesome breakfasts for each day & do all kinds of awesome things after testing!Happy students test better! #rcstechchat
Q5. I had a mental breakdown last night, and testing hasn’t even started 🙃 lots of snacks, todo lists, positive post it notes, and rest!! (and some happy hour every once in a while) #RCSTechChat
A5 luckily I have good co workers and sometimes we have to remind each other that we have worked our tails off all year and done the best we can with what we have and to not let the test define us as teachers.
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A5- I schedules a massage at the end of TCAP testing each year I had a homeroom....but honestly I didn't stress much like I said earlier it is too late to stress at this point. #rcstechchat
A5) Lists. I make lists of everything to do, lists of lists to make. It helps me to have a smaller achievable goal to cross off so I do not get bogged down in the seemingly endless onslaught of testing.
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A5: I find time each day to look out amongst my class and smile because no matter what I am proud of them. I tell myself I have done all that I could do and pray to the man above! #RCSTechChat
A5- as a total competition player (hence all game time references) this is super hard for me, but at the end of the day, prepared teams are prepared. What will be will be...it doesn’t hurt to share some laughs with your coworkers too! #RCSTechChat
Last question tonight! Make sure you answer in A6 format... and add #RCSTechChat hashtag!!!
*Also complete the form that is coming in just a minute before logging off!
Hey everyone IMPORTANT message here ** don't log off tonight until you complete the form at the end. You won't get credit if you don't fill it out...plus it helps us to know what we need to improve on and how many we present. #rcstechchat
Hey everyone IMPORTANT message here ** don't log off tonight until you complete the form at the end. You won't get credit if you don't fill it out...plus it helps us to know what we need to improve on and how many we have present. #rcstechchat
A6 I like doing more Genius Hour projects after testing to keep the kiddos engaged. I found that I really enjoy them during this time because I am not as worried about keeping up with a tight schedule.
https://t.co/ARCHlJLjMS#rcstechchat
A5- as a total competition player (hence all game time references) this is super hard for me, but at the end of the day, prepared teams are prepared. What will be will be...it doesn’t hurt to share some laughs with your coworkers too! #RCSTechChat
A6: I like doing project based learning and novel studies. We also do a class project that the kiddos take the lead in creating. My class last year made a newscast. #rcstechchat
Hey everyone IMPORTANT message here ** don't log off tonight until you complete the form at the end. You won't get credit if you don't fill it out...plus it helps us to know what we need to improve on and how many we have present. #rcstechchat
A6 - Do those fun lessons you've been wanting to do! The messy lessons, the ones that take more than one session (I'm related arts) to do & the kids love it! Centers, STEM, games, read alouds. Then challenge them to READ over summer, come back to share #RCSTechChat
A6 Truthfully, I teach the subject like I feel it should be. Cool and applicable. There's room for things to be both. I teach things kids are curious about like guts, mutations, germs, and zombies. Of course, I'll put an academic spin on things #RCSTechChat
A6: Hopefully, you're providing deep personalized learning all year and your students will be intrinsically motivated to keep going! Otherwise, its time for STEAM, PBL, and Genius hour! #rcstechchat
A6: Let then know that you’re proud of them. We’ve basically gone into battle together and win or lose, we made it through. On to the next. #rcstechchat
Q6. In my English classes, we will be finishing up TKAM. Our kids will have one last project, exercises, and discussions throughout the rest of the year. A lot of my kids are seniors, so my classes will be tiny!! #RCSTechChat
A6 Since I teach 8th grade math I engage with introducing the graphing calculators from the high school. The high school lets us borrow some to prepare the students.They love to learn how to use them compared to the basic calculator they have now.
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Last question tonight! Make sure you answer in A6 format... and add #RCSTechChat hashtag!!!
*Also complete the form that is coming in just a minute before logging off!
A6 - I get to work on things that interest me the most. My enthusiasm and passion is contagious (with most students) and they end up having just as much fun as I do.
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A6- try to make sure it is productive... great time to be active... and also great time to build life skills... or enrichment on things discussed earlier in the year. #RCSTechChat
A6- Another great tool to have the students stay on task after testing is allowing them to create! Create song parody. It activates a different part of their brains. And they tend to be hilarious!
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Last question tonight! Make sure you answer in A6 format... and add #RCSTechChat hashtag!!!
*Also complete the form that is coming in just a minute before logging off!
A6- We used to do in depth cross curricular projects like rocket science, forensic science, or hot air balloons. Fun but they were learning!!! #rcstechchat
A6: We will be doing a book study, as well as have a board game session! Many of our kiddos haven’t played an old fashioned board game, so it’ll be great to see how it goes! #RCSTechChat
A6 Let my high schoolers sit quietly or lay their heads downs until all tests are turned in...then they can sit with their friends and talk. #RCSTechChat
It's crazy how we all WANT to teach things that isn't in the curriculum. Why can't things be fun, educational, and applicable? As professionals, I bet we could do it if we were allowed. #RCSTechChat
It's crazy how we all WANT to teach things that isn't in the curriculum. Why can't things be fun, educational, and applicable? As professionals, I bet we could do it if we were allowed. #RCSTechChat
A6- project based learning and a heart felt novel study...This year is making game controllers on @makeymakey and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. #RCSTechChat
Million Dollar ??? Hey everyone IMPORTANT message here ** don't log off tonight until you complete the form at the end. You won't get credit if you don't fill it out...plus it helps us to know what we need to improve on and how many we present. #rcstechchat
It's crazy how we all WANT to teach things that isn't in the curriculum. Why can't things be fun, educational, and applicable? As professionals, I bet we could do it if we were allowed. #RCSTechChat
A6- I allow the students to get up and MOVE after testing! The elementary students always have the wiggles so they always enjoy being active after testing 💪🏽 #RCSTechChat
A6- project based learning and a heart felt novel study...This year is making game controllers on @makeymakey and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. #RCSTechChat
A6) We make memes related to past lessons and funny things from class. Having a class make a series of memes to explain Shakespeare is always fun. They are a great way to review/look back and I display them in the room for future classes to learn from and enjoy.
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A6) We make memes related to past lessons and funny things from class. Having a class make a series of memes to explain Shakespeare is always fun. They are a great way to review/look back and I display them in the room for future classes to learn from and enjoy.
#rcstechchat
A6 This is the time to pull out fun lessons that add to what we have learned all year. The lessons that take more time bc we don't feel the time constraint like earlier in the year. #RCSTechChat
