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Show Notes:
If the thought of standardized tests makes you anxious and stressed, you’re not alone. Most teachers dread this time of year for that very reason! That’s why we’re continuing our series on standardized test preparation. If you missed last week’s episode, be sure to check it out. I shared test-taking strategies specifically for English Language Arts assessments that you won’t want to miss.
In today’s episode, we’re shifting our focus to math. I’m sharing five powerful test-taking strategies to help second to fifth grade students perform their best on the math portion of the assessment. Since math comes with its own unique challenges, these strategies are designed to tackle common problem areas while also boosting student confidence—because confidence plays a huge role in overall performance!
While these strategies will strengthen your students’ math test-taking skills in elementary school, it’s important to remember that many factors influencing standardized test scores are out of your control. And with so many school and district decisions tied to those scores, that can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: You do have control over how you teach the standards, how you equip your students with effective strategies, and how you create a supportive testing environment.
To give your students the best chance for success, I recommend introducing these strategies 4-6 weeks before the test. But don’t worry, it’s not all work and no fun! Be sure to incorporate celebrations, recognize student growth, and keep the process engaging so students feel prepared, relaxed, and confident on test day.
If you are a member of the Classroom Management Club, you're going to get a PDF overview of everything that we cover in this episode. Curious about joining? Take my free class: Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset to learn more and join with a special discount!
I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.
π Lori
Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor
Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.
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