[beachbumteach]

My fifth graders will take the state writing test this year. I am new to fifth grade. I use writing workshop and Daily 5. What have you found to be the most successful methods in preparing your upper elementary students to take the state writing test (websites, resources, books, etc)? Thanks in advance!

[Logicat]

One thing many grade-level teams at my school does is have the students practice writing in a "simulated" testing environment. 3-4 times a year, the departmentalized grade levels modify the schedule so that the students stay with one teacher for half the day. During that time, they are given a practice test prompt, and must complete with rough draft, editing, and final copy. They are not allowed to work together or to get help on anything from the teacher, just like the state test. This helps students get used to the testing situation and build up their tolerance to a long writing test. The tests are also used for writing grades.

[Michie]

My school is currently using The Write Game Plan: Strategies that Score Success. It is a wonderful resource that lays out the year step be step. It is so easy to follow and the kids love it, too!