The Literacy Dive Podcast: Reading and Writing Strategies for Upper Elementary Teachers and Parents - 131. Secrets to Engaging Students During Testing Season

131. Secrets to Engaging Students During Testing Season

04/17/23 • 18 min

The Literacy Dive Podcast: Reading and Writing Strategies for Upper Elementary Teachers and Parents

Most teachers think that in order to prepare for the upcoming state test, they have to deviate from their normal routine and activities. When in reality, adding engagement and using tools and activities that are familiar to your students is actually helpful to their success. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 6 secrets to engaging students during testing season.

Each idea that I share can be differentiated based on your students’ needs and level of practice they need. I adapted my lessons and learning experiences for the kids so that we were studying and preparing, but also engaging students during testing season. This ensured that not only was I feeling way less stressed and overwhelmed, but so were my students.

Instead of boring and monotonous, test prep can be engaging, informative, collaborative, and enjoyable for your students. These 6 ideas for engaging students during testing season will help shift your mindset and teaching practices in order to make test prep meaningful for your students!

Show Notes: https://theliteracydive.com/episode131

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with me:

If you are enjoying The Literacy Dive Podcast, please follow, leave a rating, and a helpful review! It is much appreciated and thank you for listening!

Show Notes: https://theliteracydive.com/episode131

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with me:

If you are enjoying The Literacy Dive Podcast, please follow, leave a rating, and a helpful review! It is much appreciated and thank you for listening!

Previous Episode

130. 7 Test-Taking Tips for Student Preparation and Success

I don’t know about you, but every time test prep season started to creep up, I became anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed. And honestly, so did my students. But with preparation and tools in their toolbox, they became more confident, calm, and ready for the test. In order to get your students prepared as well, I’m sharing 7 test taking tips to use in your classroom during test prep season.

With each tip that I provide, it can easily be implemented in your already established literacy routine and instruction. Keep in mind that these test taking tips might be ideas and activities you’ve already used throughout the year, but are specifically targeted for success on the test. Additionally, each tip has positive benefits for every student in your classroom.

Strategies truly are the key to student success. So whether you are searching for new ways to prepare your students or different ideas to try with your students who are struggling, these simple test taking tips will help prepare your students for standardized test success!

Show Notes: https://theliteracydive.com/episode130

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with me:

If you are enjoying The Literacy Dive Podcast, please follow, leave a rating, and a helpful review! It is much appreciated and thank you for listening!

Next Episode

132. 5 Questions to Ask to Keep Any Writing Curriculum Grounded in Best Practices with Emily and Carrie

Incorporating writing that engages students into your instruction can be difficult, especially if you already have an established writing curriculum that your district requires. However, I’m here to tell you it’s not impossible! My guests on today’s episode, Emily and Carrie, are both writing experts who specialize in engaging students to write creatively and often. They’re sharing how to use best practices with any writing curriculum.

With both Emily and Carrie’s expertise, they have come up with fun writing activities that are achievable for students and also make parents and teachers confident and feel at ease knowing they’re working on their writing foundation. While it seems like kids are reluctant and unsure about what to write, Emily and Carrie believe the exact opposite is the case. Instead, they recommend asking yourself 5 questions that will change your mindset about best practices in any writing curriculum.

In order to make writing a priority and create a conducive environment for growth amongst your students, having best practices for any writing curriculum is essential. Since Emily and Carrie have a wide range of experience between them, from elementary and middle, their beliefs and instruction are focused on student growth in their writing. Implement one or all of their best practices and watch your writing curriculum go from rigid to flexible!

Show Notes: https://theliteracydive.com/episode132

Resources Mentioned:

Join my Daily Writing Disguise

Connect with me:

If you are enjoying The Literacy Dive Podcast, please follow, leave a rating, and a helpful review! It is much appreciated and thank you for listening!