Standardized Testing - Yikes!

This will be our first year attending standardized testing and I am a little nervous, to say the least.  Joshua is in third grade this year so he will be taking his first standardized test.  I get to go with him and be there in case he needs me, but I am still nervous about it.  I've found several ways to help us prepare for the test and ease my mind about it too.

First of all, Alaska has a website that allows teachers to download sample tests for each age group.  I will be able to do a sample test with Josh in the weeks leading up to the test.  Also, I've looked over the test and it is much simpler than I expected for his grade-level.  Still, this style of testing is unlike our tests that we use in the classroom, so I've found a couple of good ways to help us all prepare for this new type of test.

Lakeshore Learning has test-taking strategy computer programs for Language and for Math for different grade-levels.  These programs cover the wide-range of material covered in the standardized tests and the mulitple types of questions used as well.  These programs help students to understand different strategies for answering the questions in the standardized tests.  These programs are a little expensive at 14.95 for each subject and grade-level.  The bonus is that you can purchase them directly from the website and download them directly to your computer.

To help us better familiarize ourselves with different question/answer styles used in standardized tests, we will be having game-show day at school once a week for the next couple of months.  Lakeshore Learning sells nylon pocket charts with game boards similar to Jeopardy to cover Math, Science, and Vocabulary.  The charts include 100s of question cards covering multiple subject areas, category headers, 20 point value cards to choose from, and a game-show title card.  I am excited about using our Vocabulary and Science quiz-show games in class.  I really wish I would have purchased the Math game as well.  Lakeshore offers 3 games with chart for 1-3 grade and 3 more for 4-6.  These games are very expensive at 49.95 each (yikes!), but are also available frequently on ebay for less or you can download the computer version for 19.95 each.  The computer version is available for instant download and is a great option for everyday computer practice of basic skills for individual students. 

Lakeshore Learning is one of my favorite vendors for school materials (if you haven't noticed).  They have 3 ipad apps available from itunes.  Also, you can sign up for their email list and receive occasional discount offers which might make the price more feasible.