I remember the shift from multiple choice reading assessments to constructed response reading questions like it was yesterday. When we first made the shift, we got everything from blank stares (because they didn't understand the question), to single word answers, simple phrases, answers that were off-topic, and let's not even talk about the grammar and spelling. Hint: It ... Read More
Browse the archives below for even more great ideas
Multiplication and Division Game with Jenga Blocks
Multi-digit multiplication and division review can seem a bit tedious for some students. This multiplication and division game that uses Jenga to review is a perfect way to spice up your review and engage your students. Multiplication and Division Game Materials: For this game, you will need: Colored Jenga blocks —> I buy the precolored ones from Amazon ... Read More
Whole Number Game | FREE Jenga Game
Jenga games have always been a hit with my students. Since trying out Jenga with my students and seeing how engaged they were, I brainstormed even more math games to create (and share with you). This post will share a Jenga whole number game that reviews whole number skills and is perfect for 3rd-5th grade students (depending on the numbers you choose to use). Whole ... Read More
Free Decimals Game | Jenga Decimal Review
Jenga is such a fun game to play in the classroom to review different tasks. Click here to read more about how I use Jenga for test prep review with any set of task cards. In addition to using Jenga for test prep, I also like to use it to review specific skills. With the colored Jenga blocks, I created a fun decimals game that works great for reviewing 4th and 5th grade ... Read More
Test Prep Games {How to Use Board Games and Other Popular Games for Test Prep)
One of my favorite things to do is to use board games or other popular games for test prep or review. I have found that my students respond better and are more engaged with test prep games involving popular games they love to play. In this post, I will share how I use any game for a test prep game or review for a large unit assessment. I will also share the strategies I ... Read More
Online Testing Strategies: Prepare Your Students To Take Online Assessments
Online testing can be super frustrating for teachers and students. I can remember the first year we found out we were taking our state assessment online. We literally found out in January of that school year. Needless to say, I was more than a bit panicked! I had spent all year teaching my students to authentically close read a text and annotate all over the text. ... Read More
Playing Spoons in the Classroom {Highly Engaging Review Game}
A few years ago, I was introduced to a highly motivating, fast-paced academic version of the games Spoons. After playing a few rounds and having a lot of fun, I knew this was something I wanted to incorporate as much as possible into my classroom. The academic version of Spoons is a great way to motivate your students to review almost any concept! (If you are not ... Read More
What To Do When Your Students Fail a Test
One of the biggest questions I had to tackle as a new teacher was "My students failed this test. What am I going to do about it?" Instead of binging on junk food (or in addition to), I learned to look at it reflectively and use these situations to grow myself as a teacher and to grow my students as learners and test-takers. Read on to learn some constructive next steps ... Read More
Minute to Win It Games in the Classroom
My students and I love minute to win it games and challenges, and I love incorporating them in the classroom in different ways. In this post, I want to share the three ways that I use minute to win it games in the classroom and some resources to find some games to use in your classroom. 1. Use minute to win it games in the classroom as brain breaks. Minute ... Read More
Playing Pie Face Game in the Classroom {Engaging Test Prep}
If you have been following my blog this year, you know that I love engaging test prep review games. I think review is definitely necessary at the end of the year or a longer unit, but it doesn't have to be tedious or boring. I love using high interest games in the classroom to engage my students and get them excited about reviewing. Recently, we played Pie Face Game and ... Read More
How to Plan and Use Test Prep Centers
One thing I heave learned over the years is that a variety of review is key for many students to be successful or feel successful on their end of year test. Some students thrive with engaging review and competition like games. Others need small group instruction to review or practice previously learned skills. Over the last 7 years, I have been using test prep centers ... Read More
Ways to Make Paper and Pencil Test Prep Review Engaging
I am a huge fan of engaging and exciting test prep activities that really encourage and motivate my students. However, I also see the value in some good old fashioned pencil and paper test prep. It definitely has its place and will definitely help prepare the students for the "boring" test. Also, it prepares them for middle school, high school and beyond where they will ... Read More
