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Test-Taking Superstars

Lesson Plan

Test-Taking Superstars Lesson Plan

Students will learn three simple test-taking strategies—reading directions carefully, managing their time, and checking their answers—and practice applying them to build confidence and reduce test anxiety.

Knowing clear steps for approaching tests helps students feel prepared, lowers stress, and ensures they can demonstrate what they know.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive anchor chart discussion and hands-on practice.

Materials

Test-Taking Strategies Anchor Chart, Test-Taking Practice Worksheet, and Answer-Checking Checklist

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Ask students to share how they feel when they take tests
  • Record feelings (e.g., nervous, excited) on the board
  • Explain that having a plan can make test-taking easier and less stressful

Step 2

Direct Instruction

10 minutes

  • Display Test-Taking Strategies Anchor Chart
  • Introduce the three strategies:
    • Read Directions Carefully
    • Use Time Wisely
    • Check Your Answers
  • Model underlining key words in directions on a sample question

Step 3

Guided Practice

8 minutes

  • Distribute Test-Taking Practice Worksheet
  • Read the first question together, guiding students to:
    • Underline key words
    • Estimate how long to spend
    • Discuss checking answers
  • Complete two more questions as a class, prompting strategy use

Step 4

Independent Practice

5 minutes

Step 5

Cool-Down

2 minutes

  • Invite a few students to share one strategy they plan to use on their next test
  • Praise their ideas and remind them practice builds confidence
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Slide Deck

Test-Taking Superstars

Simple strategies to boost your confidence on tests!

Welcome students and introduce today’s lesson. Explain we are becoming "Test-Taking Superstars" by learning three simple steps to feel confident on any test.

Lesson Objectives

• Read directions carefully
• Use time wisely
• Check your answers

Read aloud the objectives and explain why each one matters for reducing stress and doing your best work.

Our 3 Super Strategies

  1. Read Directions Carefully – underline key words
  2. Use Time Wisely – plan how long to spend
  3. Check Your Answers – use a simple checklist

Show the anchor chart graphic and point to each strategy. Ask students to repeat the name of each strategy.

Try It with Me

Sample Question: What is 8 × 3?
• Underline “8 × 3”
• Decide to spend about 1 minute
• Solve: 8 × 3 = 24
• Check: multiply again or use a quick addition (8 + 8 + 8)

Model with a sample problem. Underline, estimate, solve, then check out loud so students hear your thinking.

Guided Practice

  1. Take out your practice worksheet
  2. Read Question 1 together
  3. Underline key words, estimate time, then solve
  4. Use the checklist to review your answer

Distribute the practice worksheets. Guide students step by step through Question 1, prompting them to use each strategy.

Independent Practice

• Complete the remaining questions on your own
• After each answer, use the Answer-Checking Checklist to verify your work

Explain that now they will finish the worksheet on their own, using all three strategies on each question. Circulate and support as needed.

Wrap-Up and Share

Which strategy will you use on your next test?
Turn to a friend or share with the class!

Bring the class back. Invite volunteers to share which strategy they’ll use next time. Praise their ideas and encourage practice.

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Worksheet

Test-Taking Practice Worksheet

Use your three super strategies for each question:

  1. Read directions carefully and underline keywords.
  2. Estimate how many seconds you'll need.
  3. Solve and show your work.
  4. Check your answer when you’re done.

1. Math Question

What is 7 + 9?
Estimated time to solve (in seconds): __________
Show your work and circle your final answer.







2. Reading Comprehension

Read the sentence below, then answer the question.

"The cat chased the mouse into the hole."

Underline the key words, estimate time, then answer.
What did the cat chase?
Estimated time to solve (in seconds): __________
Answer in a complete sentence.












3. Math Question

What is 5 × 4?
Estimated time to solve (in seconds): __________
Show your work and circle your final answer.







4. Reading & Math Combined

Read the short passage and answer the question.

"Sara has 8 apples. She gave 3 apples to her friend. How many apples does Sara have now?"

Underline the key words, estimate time, then answer.
Estimated time to solve (in seconds): __________
Answer in a complete sentence.












5. Math Question

What is 15 − 6?
Estimated time to solve (in seconds): __________
Show your work and circle your final answer.







Be sure to use your Answer-Checking Checklist after you finish each question!

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Activity

Answer-Checking Checklist

After you finish each question, use this checklist to make sure your answer is complete and clear.

  • Reread the question to be sure you understood what it’s asking.
  • Check your calculations or steps to find any mistakes.
  • Review your spelling and grammar (for written responses).
  • Circle or highlight your final answer so it’s easy to find.
  • Confirm you answered all parts of the question.
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