Testing Week in Elementary: How to Structure the Rest of Your Day after an Assessment

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Show Notes:

Testing is stressful. For many of you, your test scores are going to be reviewed and decisions will be made that impact you. In some situations, your job security could even be tied to test scores. So, let me be the first to say thank you for all the hard work and preparation you have put into testing. ❤️

When you signed up for this job, you probably weren’t thinking about all the ridiculous assessments that too often control your time, stress levels, and joy. During the weeks of your testing, please be sure to give yourself time to unwind in the afternoons and evenings. This is not the time to be dragging work home (yes I’m talking to you!). 

Speaking of what to do after testing, I want to answer a question that you may have - What do I do with my students for the rest of the day after taking a big test? That’s what I’m diving into in today’s episode, which marks part four in a four-part series about how to prepare your students for standardized testing. In case you missed the first three parts, here they are:

• Episode 234: The Week’s Leading Up to Testing in Elementary: How to Calm and Prepare Students (& Why This Matters)
• Episode 233: 5 Must-Know Test Taking Strategies in Math for 2nd-5th Grade
• Episode 232: 5 Must-Know Test Taking Strategies in Language Arts for 2nd-5th Grade

So what should you do after taking a test? Do you have recess for the rest of the day? Play a movie? Review for the next test? I would argue that it’s important to do a variety of things.

If you and your students are totally drained, you’ll want to choose things that aren’t going to require too much from either of you. At the same time, the afternoon is a critical time to be productive and prepare for what’s to come.

You don’t want to miss out on opportunities to review essential content and continue to prepare your students as best as you can. Throughout this episode, I’m sharing five ideas on how to structure the rest of your day after testing.

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

• How to provide a space for kids to share how they’re feeling about the test after taking it.
• Why you should give students time and a safe space to ask questions about the upcoming test.
• Ideas for review games to play that will set your students up for success the next day and allow them to decompress.
• How to offer test preparation reminders and stress-reducing tips to your students by using a practical checklist.
• The importance of practicing mindfulness activities during the week of testing, especially in the mornings (and specific affirmation examples that you can use!).

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

• Sign up for my FREE masterclass, What They Don't Teach You in College About Setting Up and Organizing Your Classroom, Preparing for the School year, & Creating a Positive Classroom Management Plan That Works.
• Fast Finishers Imagination Station for a Game/Activity 
• Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Farmhouse Chic)
• Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Brights) 
• Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Succulents) 
• Blooket
• Jeopardy App
• GoNoodle Flow 
• 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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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• The Weeks Leading Up to Testing in Elementary: How to Calm and Prepare Students (& Why This Matters)
• 5 Must-Know Test Taking Strategies in Math for 2nd-5th Grade
• 5 Must-Know Test Taking Strategies in Language Arts for 2nd-5th Grade
• 10 Enrichment Ideas (for High Achieving Students in Math and ELA)
• A Gentle Reminder for Exhausted Teachers
• How to Reduce Test Taking Strategies in Math for 2nd-5th Grade

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