State Tests can be stressful for everyone in involved, from the kids, to the teachers, to administration. Enter: One of my favorite days of the year, Test Prep Boot Camp.
My main purpose of this day is to allow students to have fun and review different skills that will be on the state test that is the following day. Let’s be honest, no amount of “cramming” will really do the kids any good so why not make a fun day of review out of it?!
During our boot camp, we have 6 different stations, a station on multiplication and division, fractions, area and perimeter, graphing, time, and addition and subtraction. Students spend about 20 minutes (could be longer or shorter) at each station. When it is time for them to change stations, I blow my whistle and give them some type of “command.” (IE: March to your next station, 10 Jumping Jacks, repeating a chant after me, etc.) My students find this hysterical and I am sure to encourage them with silly chanting and commands throughout the day.
If you are interested in checking out this resource, I have linked it here for you!
Now let’s get into the details:
Room Decor: I “decorated” my room for about $40.00. I bought some camouflage tablecloths , a camouflage net, some faceprint, and some camouflage colored streamers. This may seem a little steep BUT I knew I will be able to use this all again for years to come! (Minus the faceprint, I’ll buy a new one each year.)
Station 1: Fractions
Students will complete a fraction game where they solve problems about identifying fractions, fractions on a number line, comparing fractions, equivalent fractions, unit fractions, and more. The first student to reach the finish line is the winner!
Station 2: Multiplication and Division
This might be the favorite station of them all. Students have flashcards with a multiplication or division problem on it and a “command” on the bottom. The command is some type of exercise. (5 squats, 3 sit ups, etc.) Student solve the problem and then complete the command! If the student gets the command correct, they keep the card and the student with the most cards at the end is the winner!
Station 3: Place Value
Students will complete roll and writes and need to round to the nearest ten or hundred. They will have a partner check their work before they are able to move on to the next worksheet on rounding!
Station 4: Area and Perimeter
Students will be given a task to create a map of the base using specific measurements of different buildings. Students typically choose to create these on large paper so they can decorate them once they have completed their questions but they can be down on smaller paper as well!
Station 5: Addition and Subtraction
This station students have to add and subtract numbers and find the matching puzzle piece to their equation. The students work in pairs and can check each other’s work with the inverse operation or you can have students work independently.
Station 6: Graphing
Students are given a data sheet and have to create a bar or pictograph according to the information. Students loved making the pictographs!
Station 7: Time
This station is new this year and I can’t wait to have students complete it! Students will use a schedule to answer questions about the daily life of a solider! Students can also complete a day in the life book about a solider using the schedule as well!
Overall, this is one of the best days of the year and my kiddos have so much fun, are so engaged, and usually forget that they are reviewing for a big test, which is exactly what I want them to do! 🙂
Do you use any kind of test prep activities in your room? I would love to hear about them below! 🙂