Can You Escape State Testing?

 I can't but students can... Well what I mean is, they can use escape rooms to get ready for the test.  

5 Reasons I use Escape Rooms to Review for State Testing

1. Engagement: Escape rooms are highly engaging and capture students' interest, making the review process enjoyable and motivating.

2. Active Learning & Teamwork: Escape rooms encourage all students to actively participate in problem-solving activities. Solving the puzzles together makes a more memorable learning experience that increases the likelihood of long-term retention of the material.

3. Differentiated Learning: Escape rooms can accommodate various learning styles, allowing students to engage with the material in ways that suit their preferences and strengths.

4. Review Critical Content: These escape rooms are aligned with the standards on the state test.

They are engaging but the puzzles and “codes” don’t diminish the test review material embedded within the themed scenario.

5. Time Management: Each escape room is designed to be completed in class period (~45 minutes).  Students must manage their time effectively, which reflects the time-sensitive nature of standardized tests.

Assembling escape rooms is an easy prep.  The NOS, Life, Space & Matter Escape rooms don’t use locks and boxes.  They are paper and pencil puzzles.  Additional materials needed for some of the puzzles are envelopes/zip top bags, colored paper, card stock, page protectors & dry erase markers.  After the initial set-up, the only task is to monitor students and provide “helpful hints” if necessary.  I love walking around listening to students’ comments!

Try escape rooms, they’ll make test review fun and engaging!