Testing Motivation for Students – Perfect for State Tests!
State testing season is upon us. Whether we like it our not. Luckily, I have found there are so many ways to provide testing motivation for students!
The best thing we can do for our students is to make them think of testing as a super fun time!
They should walk into standardized test days feeling encouraged and excited to show all that they’ve learned!
One of my favorite testing treats to have ready for students is a letter of encouragement waiting on each of their desks!
Motivate Students for Testing:
A couple of years ago, I started sending home a letter to parents and guardians asking if they’d write their child a letter of encouragement.
I share all the important information about testing with parents and encourage them to make testing day seem like a very exciting day! We want to make sure our students enter with positive attitudes.
I provide the paper and the envelope for parents. It just makes their lives easier. Then all they need to do is write a note that will make their child smile the morning of the big test!
The key is to have them seal the envelope. Once it becomes secret, the students become extra excited!
This is the Parent Testing Letter that I use! Many teachers requested I make it editable, so I’ve added an editable version too!
I can’t tell you how fun it is to watch each child light up when they see a letter waiting for them!
I even have students who LOOK FORWARD to testing, just to see what their secret letter says!
You can read more ideas for testing treats over here too!
What if a student doesn’t receive a letter from their parent/guardian?
Before the test, I ask specials teachers to write a letter of encouragement to that child instead.
The students love these just as much, and it shows the whole school is cheering them on!
I’ve also written personal letters to students who don’t have a letter come in on time.
What other teachers are saying:
Conclusion
State testing might never be our favorite time of year.
But it’s our job to build confidence and excitement around testing so kids show up ready to tackle that test! Testing treats are an easy way to provide testing motivation for students!
With the help of a fun testing letter, your class might actually look forward to the big day!
How do you like to motivate your class for state testing?
Ps. Feel free to share this with your teacher friends!
