Testing Our Best

Tunc Turkmen

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Testing Our Best

Students will learn that tests are a way to show what they know and practice positive test-taking strategies.

Understanding tests reduces anxiety and builds confidence, helping students perform better and view assessments as learning opportunities.

Audience

1st Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, visual aids, and guided practice.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Testing Our Best Slide Deck, Practice Test Worksheet, Cool Down: One Thing I Learned, and Pencils

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Review the Testing Our Best Lesson Plan and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Load the Testing Our Best Slide Deck on your projector/smartboard.
- Print enough copies of the Practice Test Worksheet for each student.
- Print enough copies of the Cool Down: One Thing I Learned for each student.
- Gather pencils for all students.

Step 1

Introduction: What is a Test?

5 minutes

Begin by asking students what they think a 'test' is. Write down their ideas.
- Explain that a test is like a special way to show teachers all the cool things they've learned, not just to see what they got wrong. Use the Testing Our Best Slide Deck (Slide 2) to guide this discussion.

Step 2

Why Do We Take Tests?

5 minutes

Discuss with students why we take tests (e.g., to see what we remember, to help the teacher know what to teach next, to celebrate learning).
- Emphasize that it's okay not to know everything and that tests help everyone learn. Refer to the Testing Our Best Slide Deck (Slide 3) for key points.

Step 3

Test-Taking Tips

10 minutes

Introduce simple test-taking strategies:
- Read the directions carefully: This is super important! Explain that sometimes pictures on a test can look similar, but the words tell us exactly what to do. Demonstrate by reading a simple direction, then showing how a student might misinterpret it if they only look at the picture. (Refer to Testing Our Best Slide Deck Slide 4)
- Do your best! Reassure students that their best is all that matters. Encourage them to try every question and not give up. Remind them that a test is just one way to show what they know, and there are many other ways they shine in class. (Refer to Testing Our Best Slide Deck Slide 5)

Step 4

Practice Time

5 minutes

Distribute the Practice Test Worksheet.
- Guide students through the first question together, modeling how to read the directions and choose an answer.
- Allow students a few minutes to complete the remaining questions independently, reminding them of the tips. Circulate and provide support. The Practice Test Answer Key is available for grading.

Step 5

Cool Down: One Thing I Learned

5 minutes

Distribute the Cool Down: One Thing I Learned sheet.
- Ask students to share one thing they learned about taking a test or one tip they will try next time. This can be a quick verbal share or a written response on the sheet. (Refer to Testing Our Best Slide Deck Slide 6)

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Slide Deck

Testing Our Best!

Let's learn how to show what we know!

Welcome students and introduce the topic of tests. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear the word 'test.' Address any initial anxieties.

What Is a Test?

Is it a quiz? A game? A challenge?
What do YOU think?

Facilitate a discussion. Ask students: "What do you think a test is?" Listen to their ideas and validate their responses. Explain that it's a way to show their learning.

Why Do We Take Tests?

To show what we've learned!
To help our teachers know what to teach next.
To celebrate our progress!
It's okay to not know everything!

Discuss the positive reasons for taking tests. Emphasize that tests help teachers understand what students have learned and what they still need help with. It's a tool for learning, not just for grading.

Tip #1: Read the Directions Carefully!

The words tell you exactly what to do!
Don't just look at the pictures.

Introduce the first key strategy: reading directions. Explain that sometimes pictures can be tricky, but the words are always clear. Give a simple example verbally or act it out.

Tip #2: Do Your Best!

Try every question.
Don't give up!
Your effort is what matters most.

Reinforce the idea of always trying their best and not giving up. Encourage them to use what they've learned and to feel proud of their effort.

You've Got This!

Tests help us learn and grow.
Show what you know and shine bright!

Conclude by reminding students that tests are just one way to show their amazing brains. Encourage a positive mindset.

Worksheet

Practice Test: Showing What I Know!

Name: ________________________

Directions: Read carefully and do your best!

Circle the fruit that is red.

🍎 🍌 🍐
Draw a line under the animal that says "Moo!"

🐷 🐄 🐔
Put an X on the shape with three sides.

⬛️ ▲ 🔵
Color the big star yellow.

⭐ 🌟 ✨

Answer Key

Answer Key: Practice Test

Question 1: Circle the fruit that is red.

Thought Process: The direction specifies "red" and "fruit". Out of the options (apple, banana, pear), the apple is red.

Answer: Circle 🍎

Question 2: Draw a line under the animal that says "Moo!"

Thought Process: The direction specifies "animal that says Moo!". Out of the options (pig, cow, chicken), the cow says "Moo!".

Answer: Draw a line under 🐄

Question 3: Put an X on the shape with three sides.

Thought Process: The direction specifies "shape with three sides". Out of the options (square, triangle, circle), the triangle has three sides.

Answer: Put an X on ▲

Question 4: Color the big star yellow.

Thought Process: The direction specifies "big star" and "yellow". Out of the options (small star, medium star, large star), the large star should be colored yellow.

Answer: Color ⭐ (the larger star) yellow.

Cool Down

Cool Down: One Thing I Learned

Name: ________________________

One new thing I learned about tests today is...
One test-taking tip I will try next time is...