As we reach the downward spiral into the end of the year, the STAAR Reading test is approaching quickly. It is imperative to make sure your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students know what STAAR reading strategies they will use on the test.
This year students and teachers have adjusted to virtual learning and functioning in a social distancing classroom. Reviewing for the STAAR reading test will be different, but there are a few important things to remember.
Check out these 5 essential STAAR reading strategies:
The Test
The STAAR test is available to all students this year in paper or online format. It is important to check with your school or district to determine what type of test your 3rd, 4th, or 5th graders will be taking.
They are giving everyone a choice this year, but by the spring of 2022 all students will be required to take the online version of the test.
Do you get a say in what version your students get to take?
Here’s something to consider. Since third and fourth graders have never taken a STAAR test before, it may be ideal for them to just take the online version. Then they will never know anything different.
Once it has been decided which format of the STAAR Reading test your students will be taking, then it is important to review in that same format.
Luckily, there are many digital resources out there now. Plus, they’re not too hard to make.
Use STAAR question stems
Since you have been teaching reading skills throughout the entire year, your students will understand the variety of skills that are tested on the STAAR Reading test.
However, they must practice using question stems with the same wording that is used on the STAAR Reading Test.
The STAAR released tests are perfect for this type of review If you need to review online in your virtual classroom, there is a way to make a STAAR released passage digital.
First, the passage can be copied and pasted into a PowerPoint slide. Then it can be saved as a jpeg. Next, insert the passage jpeg as a background in a new slideshow (Google or Powerpoint). Finally, you can copy and paste the questions and answer choices into the slides. Additionally, inserting a circle for students to move over the correct answer will make choosing answers easy.
Break down the questions
After students complete a passage on their own or in a small group, it is necessary to review the answers. Immediate feedback will help students learn from their mistakes.
Breaking down the question, so students understand what is being asked and how to find the correct answer is a key STAAR reading strategy.
My STAAR Reading Strategies BUNDLE includes strategies for a variety of questions on fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and paired passages.
Each question includes the strategy, so students can work their way through independently or with a small group.
Practice Makes Permanent
It can be tricky to find the right balance of reviewing STAAR reading strategies and over doing it. But like with everything the more you practice, the better you get.
Incorporating STAAR reading practice throughout the year will help students feel confident when they get to the STAAR reading test. For instance while reading about the Coastal Plains in Social Studies, ask your students what effect being on the coast has to the people in this region.
Exposing students to higher level questions is a good teaching method and will be beneficial when they take standardized tests.
For more tips on teaching specific reading genres, check out my blog posts on Teaching Traditional Literature and Tips for Teaching Argumentative Text.
Making it Fun
Students will be more likely to remember what they are learning if they find the activities fun and engaging.
Creating games to review reading skills is one way to do this.
Also, kids love competition. Make any reading passage into a challenge by putting kids into small groups. Then cut up the questions to the passage and put them in separate envelopes. As students finish one question, they have to show the teacher the CORRECT answer before getting the next question. The first team that finishes wins! Additional penalties can be given, such a one minute time out for teams that are arguing or not everyone in the group is participating.
This STAAR Reading Review Challenge is a baseball themed challenge that is perfect for your students. They get points for getting questions right. Everything is easy to print out for your in person students. Also included is a digital version of the activity for your virtual students.
If you’re wondering what changes will be on the 2022 STAAR reading test, check out my blog post: Understanding the 2022 STAAR Reading Test
As you can see, STAAR reading strategies don’t have to be hard. Students and teachers can have fun reviewing for the STAAR reading test.
