Reviewing Textbook Reading

Exciting Games for Test Preparation

Dec 7, 2008 Katherine Chapman

Kids love games. Interactive learning allows students the freedom of movement with the following clever approaches to reviewing textbook material and test preparation.

Today, textbooks are designed with the student in mind. They have bold subheadings and small sections highlighting specific topics. Too often teachers have students take turns reading aloud from the text during class time. Using this approach becomes tedious quickly.

Fun Game for Reading Textbooks

Why not read small sections of text silently and keep students accountable for comprehension at the same time? "Scramble" is an active game that encourages students to think like the teacher. After reading the assigned section silently, students creates their own questions and answers in their heads from that portion of the text. They should be challenged to make up questions they believe a teacher would put on a test. It must be explained that after one brief reading, no one would remember insignificant dates or names, but rather students should focus on generating questions that get at the big idea of the text section.

Next, the teacher tells the students, "Scramble with someone who has the same color shirt as you" or "Scramble with someone that sits at another table." When pairs have been quickly formed, each student asks the other one his question. The honor system is necessary, and the teacher must trust the judgment of the students as to who answered the questions correctly and who did not. If both students agree with the answers, each one receives an M & M for answering correctly. Everyone quickly returns to his seat.

The teacher takes another opportunity to review the material from the text by asking 2-3 students to share with the class the questions they asked their partners. Not only is the material reviewed again, but the teacher has the opportunity to discuss whether this is a question that would be on a test.

Entertaining Game for Test Preparation

Another approach to review for upcoming tests can be more appealing for students if they perceive it as a break from the normal classroom routine. Each corner of the classroom is given a number 1-4. Students select a corner in which to stand. While the teacher counts to ten with eyes closed, students move about the room to another corner. The students must move so quietly that the teacher cannot hear which corners students have selected. For the students, the goal is to prevent the teacher from calling their corner's number. Ideally, all corners should have some students.

Then, the teacher calls out a corner – two for example. With eyes now open, the teacher assigns a spokesperson to answer the review question. For example, the teacher might ask, "What was the first permanent English settlement in the new world, Sarah?" The group of children in corner two may discuss what they believe the correct response is, but Sarah is the only one who can actually tell the answer to the listening class and teacher.

If the answer is correct, all the students in corner two can continue to play the game, but if it is not, everyone in corner two must go back to his or her seat. The game continues until the review is complete. Not only do students have the opportunity exercise their legs, they also learn to work together for a common goal.

Students find textbook review enjoyable using a game format. The teacher can also benefit by receiving prompt feedback as to how well students are comprehending textbook material or observe the progress on preparing for upcoming tests.

The copyright of the article Reviewing Textbook Reading in Teacher Tips/Training is owned by Katherine Chapman. Permission to republish Reviewing Textbook Reading in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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