Are Your Students Ready for THE Test?! Making Test Prep Enjoyable!!

Something that is on the front of every teacher's mind around this time of year is test prep, and goodness those words can throw me into a stressful spiral of emotions after just hearing them. Test prep always seems so BORING, but it doesn't have to be! Stick with me for a few...

I teach ELA and Social Studies, so practically all of my test prep is based on reading passages and answering question that relate to them before some type of writing exercise. In this post, I hope to introduce you to (or remind you of) a couple of online options to help make test prep a little more lively.






My favorite go-to for test prep is Plickers. We first answer the questions to the passage on paper, but then each student receives a QR code that is personalized to them. They then hold up the QR code with the letter they chose facing the ceiling and I scan all of the cards at once. On my whiteboard we see immediate results and students individually receive immediate feedback. The fact that everything is immediate motivates my students to try their best even after days of monotonous prep.

Another favorite to break up paper/ pencil prep is using Google Forms as the answer sheet. When students complete the form, they receive their score which leads them to take ownership of what they are putting down instead of just typing something and being finished quickly.

We also use Quizizz and Kahoot to review grammar skills and the like. 

Safe Start to Flexible Seating that Won't Break the Bank!

I began this year ready and excited to introduce more flexible seating options in my classroom, but I wasn't ready to throw out my desks just yet. I've found a handful of inexpensive options that my students love and want to share them with you.

One of the first items I purchased was a set of lap desks similar to these from Walmart. At the time they were only $5.00 each.

I found outdoor pillows similar to these for half price at Five Below during after summer clearance sales. I paid only $2.50 and they have been a class favorite!

Scoop rockers have also been all the rage in my classroom this year! I wouldn't recommend for older than third grade because some of my larger third graders have applied too much stress to the plastic. Although they will not hold up for more than a couple of years due to my students' weight, I will continue to purchase them because my students love them so much.

My students also enjoy the inflatable balls that allow them to move and bounce while working. The donuts are the favorite in my classroom and the exercise balls come in second place with the kids. If I had it do over, I would not purchase the exercise balls again. They drive me CRAZY!!!
Click here for the link to the donuts.
Click here for the link to the exercise balls.

The items presented here are only a sampling of the items I introduced this year, but offers an easy first step to any teacher who may be considering introducing flexible seating.