learning resources

Test Prep for your Classroom

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Test prep activities for your classroom do not have to be dull and boring.  There are many great resources for test prep including resources guides, games, and critical thinking activities.  While you have been thinking about the big testing days all year long, you are most likely stepping in to high gear now and really focusing on getting ready.  Whether you are getting students ready for statewide standardized tests, quarterly reading and math assessments, or an end of the unit quiz, preparing for the tests is a worthwhile classroom activity.  One of the most important part of test taking is learning how to take a test.  Test prep activities can introduce testing taking skills like learning strategies for answering multiple choice questions and open ended questions.  There are also many great resources that introduce various brainstorming strategies for writing essay responses.  Great test prep material does not replace quality teaching throughout the year, but the right resources can be a great supplement.

Once you choose what materials you want to use in your classroom, you need to find time to incorporate these activities into your daily routine.  Most of these activities are short and easy to add to your day.  Try a multiple choice practice page as a warm-up task when the students come into the classroom at the beginning of the day or after lunch.  Another idea would be to add a game that focuses on test taking strategies into a center or small group activity.  If you know of several students who would benefit from certain activities, pull them and work with them while the rest of the class is doing an independent assignment.  Again by focusing on test taking skills in addition to the subjects being tested, students will gain important life-long skills.

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Teacher Resources for your Classroom

When you think about teacher resources, what comes to mind?  Teacher resources encompass many things ranging from teaching supplies to activity resources and professional reading materials.  As a teacher, I am always looking for supplies and teacher resources that will enhance my teaching ability and provide me with knowledge on a wide range of subjects.  In the beginning of my teaching career, I felt the need to buy everything.  I quickly learned that it was very expensive to buy supplemental teacher resources out of my own budget.  So over the last several years, I have learned how to utilize the materials that the school provides and carefully assess my needs and buy the teacher resources that will benefit my classroom and my teaching needs.

First, I ask myself if the school has the teacher resources that I need.  Many schools have book rooms, libraries, and supply rooms that house materials that are not currently being used.  Check those areas out and talk to your fellow teachers.

In addition to looking for supplies at your own school, check with other schools or offices in your district.  There are often district facilities that store unused materials that are available for checkout.  This is often the case for science and social studies curriculum and materials.  Some of the materials used to teach these subjects can be costly, so it is more cost efficient to share.

Don’t forget to plan ahead.  I tend to spend more money out of my pocket when I am not prepared and need something at the last minute.  There are always classroom needs that I purchase at certain times of the year, such as back to school supplies, seasonal products, and classroom decorations.  However, when I need to purchase an expensive item unexpectedly, it makes it difficult to purchase all of the items I need.  When I plan ahead, I am in a much better positions to buy classroom supplies.

Lastly, familiarize yourself with online teaching supply stores like wwwk12schoolsupplies.  Whether you are buying the supplies that you routinely purchase or are looking for special materials, you can find the things you need for your classroom.