The Testing Genre
In these days of high stakes testing, a new genre has been created
now called the testing genre. How can you help at home?
For students in kindergarten through second grade, have them reading
(or read to them) both fiction and nonfiction. With fiction, before
they road the book, have them look through the pictures and predict
what is happening on each page. After they have read the book, have
them tell you the story in a sequential order making sure they include
the characters and setting and as much detail as possible. Ask them
to tell you their favorite part and why it’s their favorite part
and ask them to make connections to the story. When making connections,
I have students say the specific part of the story they are using for
their connections. For example, in the book when Erin got her pony,
I remembered a time I rode a horse and it headed straight into the lake.
With nonfiction, have them talk about the text features such as table
of contents, glossary, index, and charts and graphs. After they have
read the book have them retell the information in the book using the
specific vocabulary of that topic and giving information on all the
sections of the book. I often have students look at the table of contents
to address all the areas. Ask them what was the most important idea
in the book and why.
For students in grades three through six, ask what testing strategies
they are learning in school and how they are using them in their thinking
when facing the testing genre. If students aren’t bringing practice
pages home, you can download released items from the VDOE website at
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Assessment/releasedtests.html.
Ask your child to explain their thinking as they do the problems. How
do they know an answer is wrong or what in the text tells them an answer
is right? It does take children time to understand the variety of questions
and types of answers with close-confusers that are given. Students are
encouraged to mark up the text. If a question relates to sequence, I
suggest that they underline the choices within the story and number
them. If a question refers back to a particular part of the text, going
back to read just that section to find the answer is crucial.
For all of our students, we need to walk that fine line of helping them
understand to show their very best work while not making them a basket
case over the tests. All of the routines that help throughout the school
year are needed right now: getting a good night’s sleep, eating
healthy food, and getting exercise. Talk with your children about how
they are feeling and assure them of your support. Summer and relaxation
are just around the corner!