One Awesome Tip to Teach Test Prep to First Graders

I am a first grade teacher. I will be candid: I am a bit reluctant when encouraged to teach first graders test prep. I think it is pretty early in their educational lives to stress them and cause anxiety without a reasonable reason. Once I said this, I must admit, that there are things a first grade teacher can do to prepare students for the future that do not involve emotional constraints. 

 

I use my school fonts software for this activity. I design a simple matching activity for this purpose. Students have to pair up words that we have learned during the week with a picture.

The strategy I concentrate on is "listening". It is important that students learn to listen to the teacher without any disturbances or noises. I will not start reading the directions unless the whole class is silent and focus on the task. Later on, even if we are not doing "test prep", I reinforce the idea that listening is crucial to obtain a good score.

If you want to learn more test tips, please visit The Tutor House. And join this wonderful Linky Party.

How to Teach Vocabulary to First Graders

One way I teach vocabulary to my first graders is with a quilt.

I grab a piece of paper and show my students how to fold the paper three times. Then they copy the vocabulary I want them to learn and draw a picture that goes with the word. For CELDT levels 1 or 2, or newcomers to the country, I use my fonts for teachers software.

  
I create my own templates/quilts with the names on it or the beginning of the word. That way I differentiate instruction for my different levels. Tell us how you teach vocabulary and join this awesome party at Ladybug's Lounge.

Or leave a post with your ideas here!