5 Must-Know Test Taking Strategies in Language Arts for 2nd – 5th Grade

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Show Notes:

It’s that time of year again. Spring is quickly approaching, and we know that all kinds of testing is just around the corner. With testing comes long days, anxious students, and stressed out teachers. 😵‍💫

The word ‘Standardized testing’ can strike fear in the hearts of teachers everywhere because we know that test scores are typically reported to our state, which ultimately makes decisions about our districts and schools. It often feels like all the work you’ve put in throughout the year comes down to these tests. Stressful is probably a major understatement! 

If you become flooded with a feeling of overwhelm around testing season, you’re not alone. This is yet one more thing that many of us just did not get any practical training on when we were in University. If we’re being honest, I vividly remember being a new teacher and having absolutely no clue about how I was supposed to be preparing my students for testing! 

I want you to have all the tools you need in order to feel confident in teaching your students effective test taking strategies. That’s why this episode is kicking off a 4-part series all about super practical ways that you can help your students feel prepared, empowered, and less anxious when it comes to test taking. 

Today’s episode will focus on four simple test taking strategies for Language Arts assessments. These tips will help you get started in your test-prep, and I know that they will spark some more of your own ideas too. If you can think about these strategies now, you’ll have plenty of time to start preparing your students 4-6 weeks before the big test. 

Intentional preparation is key when it comes to test-taking success. If you feel confident, positive, and ahead of the game, your students will pick up on that energy too. Your class will be full of master test takers before you know it! If you have any questions about test taking strategies, or have more ideas that you want to share, be sure to join us in the free Beginning Teacher Talk Facebook group. You can also always connect with me on Instagram @beginningteachertalk.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• How lack of confidence in a certain subject area can lead to major test anxiety in students.
• That students need lots of time and exposure to practice in order to feel prepared for taking a standardized test.
• The importance of having a conversation about why you’re practicing test-taking strategies.
• How to use the ‘I do it, we do it, you do it’ model when teaching how to mark up a text.
• Key strategies for answering tricky multiple choice questions.
• Advice for teaching your students how to answer short answer questions, and how to check their work.
• A bonus strategy to use in order to bring some fun and celebration into the testing season.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

• Check out more multiple choice test-taking strategies here, here, and here!
• Grab your Growth Mindset Bookmarks from my TPT store.
• Download the free Growth Mindset Bookmarks.
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• Join our Beginning Teacher Talk Private Facebook Group. 
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram.
• NEW! Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok.   

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.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, 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 creator of the innovative literacy program for 1st and 2nd grade, Dogs Help Kids Read and Succeed, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com and at howdogshelpkids.com.

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