academic success

Building Bridges in our brains: Grades 5-8

Grades 5-8: Building Bridges in Our Brains
Directions: Show this video clip: Building Bridges in Our Brains, Use the information in the link to discuss the parallels between learning something new and building a bridge.
Key Points to Discuss:
  1. Learning something new can feel beyond your reach
  2. The first attempt is always the hardest
  3. The more you work on a concept the stronger it becomes engraved in your mind. 

Test taking stratgies

Monsters University Test Anxiety Strategies: Grades 3-6:
A lot of students are probably experiencing a bit of test anxiety with the upcoming AZMerit test coming up.  I thought it might be a good idea to talk about test taking tips and techniques during your class meeting.

Directions: Download the "Taming Test Anxiety MU" PowerPoint (see below) and print "How to Tame the Test Monsters" handout and the "Test Anxiety" bookmarks for each student. (See right)  The Power Point will cover 10 tips and techniques below.  I have attached an explanation of each of the strategies below because they are not all self explanatory.  Modify or add your own tips if you desire.
*Credit for the Monsters University materials belongs to Marissa Rex at www.elementaryschoolcounseling.org

taming_test_anxiety_mu.pptx
File Size: 4856 kb
File Type: pptx
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how_to_tame_the_test_monsters.pdf
File Size: 574 kb
File Type: pdf
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test_anxiety_bookmarks.pdf
File Size: 504 kb
File Type: pdf
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Famous Failures

Directions: Show this video clip: Famous Failures.  Discuss the key points below. 
Key Points to Discuss:
  1. Failing is an important part of learning.
  2. Everyone fails.
  3. If you haven't failed then you've never tried anything new.