How do you prepare students for a test at the end of a big unit? How do we make engaging test prep? In the past I have played “Jeopardy” type games, used study guides, vocabulary bingo, etc… However, the best method that I have found to help students prepare for tests is by doing a scavenger hunt.
Materials:
- Recording sheet for students
- Clipboards (optional)
- Pen or pencils
- Clue cards- these are the cards you will hide with your questions or statements.
How to set up the test prep:
I prepare the scavenger hunt by creating cards to hide around the room. These cards can be used in a few different ways. They could contain questions that the students have to answer, or there could be a little blurb on each card that the students will read to find the answer to the question on their recording sheet. I pass out the answer sheets and explain the rules to my students. The first and most important rule of scavenger hunting is “NO TALKING!” I want my students to be able to answer these questions on their own. The second rule is absolutely no running…because we all know how competitive kids get!
I usually have each student grab a clipboard so they can walk around and answer on their sheets. Once I give the signal they are off! When they have finished answering their questions they will have the answers checked by me. I will mark wrong answers with an “X” and the students need to go back and correct them.
Sometimes I do award prizes (think homework pass). I have awarded prizes two different ways. Sometimes I award prizes to the first few students who get the answers correct. Other times I will award it to the first few students who get the answers correct on the first try. This allows different kids to get prizes.
This is such a motivator for the students and it is truly engaging test prep. The are engaged the entire time! Since I started reviewing for tests this way I have noticed an increase in achievement on end unit tests! What test prep ideas do you find most successful?
