Standardized Tests
Lots of emphasis is placed on standardized tests. While they are a controversial topic, they are here to stay. So, we must do what we can to prepare our students to be successful. It's important to remember that we are more than the test. This is something I try to instill in my students and myself. The test results and data we gather can be useful for future planning, but they are only one piece of the larger puzzle. The last thing we want is for our students to have test anxiety and feel like they are a failure if they don't do well. I try to keep test conversations light and airy while sticking to business, just like I would for any other test we take throughout the year.
Test Prep Review
There are many different approaches you can take for test prep review. None of them are wrong. Figure out what works for you and your students and go with it. The most important thing is to have a plan.
Have a Plan
The task can seem overwhelming when you think of all of the standards and skills that you need to review. Especially if you wait until the last minute. Don't fret! Take deep breaths, map out a plan, and give yourself plenty of time to review. I've done the work for you! I've created a 3-week and 5-week review plan that you may find helpful. If you decide to follow this plan, you can be sure that all standards will be reviewed. I teach in Texas, so this plan is based on TEKS. However, there are many similarities between TEKS, Common Core, and other state standards. I know you'll find it extremely helpful.
Get Busy
Once your plan is mapped out, it's time to dive right into the review. I don't know about you, but every time I hand out another worksheet or math problem I can hear the roar of groans throughout my classroom. It's the last thing my kids want to see. I have found that if I give them a handout with tons of problems to work on, they usually shut down.
It's best to mix up the activities and make learning fun so they don't even realize the work they are putting in. You can do this by choosing hands-on interactive activities that keep your students engaged. Allowing them to work with a partner or in a small group is also very helpful.
Use Task Cards for Test Prep Review
The presentation of your lesson is where the magic happens. Think about it. With that in mind, one of my favorite activities to use for fourth grade test prep review is task cards.
Task cards are really just a worksheet broken down into individual problems. But when we present them differently, our students get super excited about it.
I love to post my task cards around the room, in the courtyard, or even around the school. You should their eyes light up when I tell them we are going on a scavenger hunt. It's like I just told them school was canceled tomorrow!
I also love using digital task cards. We all know how much students love using technology, so when I can use technology to my advantage with fun test prep task cards everyone is happy!
Look at these examples from my
FREE Measuring Angles Task Card Set! It's easy to see why my students love this activity. They can focus on one problem at a time without being overwhelmed by an entire worksheet. Plus, they are moving around and staying engaged in the activity. It's a win-win!
Have Some Fun!
Remember what we talked about earlier. The last thing you want is to have a bunch of stressed-out students who totally freeze when it's time to take the test. So why not use the task cards in game form?
Use the task cards to play a game of Scoot. Or grab a favorite board game and use the task cards in place of the game cards. You can also create your own game and use the task cards as your game cards. Sometimes the hardest part of a class game is having enough questions. Task cards are a great way to solve this problem! Choose one skill or mix and match a variety of skills for a fun and engaging review.
Have fun with your review. Build them up along the way. Confidence is key! When it comes time to take the test everyone will be relaxed and ready!
Task Cards for Every Math Skill
If you are ready to make your math review fun, then check out this task card bundle. This 4th grade math task card bundle includes over 600 task cards for all the math standards. You will have everything you need for engaging and interactive math skill practice.
They are now available in digital form, so you can use them with Google Forms as a self-correcting activity. I have created a
Task Card Bundle for you which includes everything you need and more.
Save it for Later
Be sure to pin this to your favorite math Pinterest board so you can come back when you need some fun and engaging test prep activities.
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