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

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Show Notes:

Does the idea of standardized testing leave you feeling stressed? You’re not alone, and that’s why this week we are going to be continuing our four-part series on test taking strategies for second to fifth graders. In this series we’re diving into what you need to know to not only help your students perform well on their assessments, but also to feel confident and have fun while they're doing it.

Last week, inside episode 232, we focused on effective and simple test taking strategies for students in Language Arts. This week I’m sharing five more of these helpful strategies, but this time they are specifically for math tests. Math assessments can bring a whole new set of challenges for students (confusing word problems, I’m looking at you! 👀) but these strategies will give your students the tools they need to perform well.

While these assessments are important, I don’t want you to think that there is a direct correlation between your teaching and your students’ scores. In fact, I want you to write this on a sticky note and revisit it often - My self-worth is not tied to my students’ test scores!

You have no control over the things in your students lives outside of your classroom. Unfortunately, a lot of these things that are out of your control are what have a direct effect on how well your students do on their assessments. But here’s the good news. You do have control over how much effort you take to ensure that you have taught the standards to the best of your ability, and that you’ve equipped your students with the test-taking strategies that they need to be successful.

Start implementing these strategies 4-6 weeks before the test date and be sure to let your students know how much you’ve enjoyed watching their progress and seeing their growth. There’s always something to celebrate, and if you can build up their confidence, chances are they will walk into your classroom on the test day feeling relaxed, confident, and prepared!

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

Why belief and self-love are some of the most important things we can pass on to our students.
How to encourage your students to think like a detective when taking tests.
Examples of how you can teach and practice having your students show their work for every single problem.
The R.E.L.A.X. test-strategy that can be used in math or language arts.
What to teach your students to focus on when reading through a word problem and how to use the C.U.B.E. strategy.
How you can support your students who are experiencing test-taking anxiety.
A fun bonus strategy for building up your students’ confidence.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

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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