Last year, we created an Alberta curriculum study resource to help students prepare for the end of the year Provincial Achievement Tests (PAT’s). It includes questions and answers on Math, Social, and Science aimed to review curriculum concepts over six weeks.
We have recently updated our Grade 6 PAT Bundle to accommodate distance learning!
Although the Alberta government announced that Grade 6 Provincial Achievement Tests are cancelled due to the pandemic, our updated resource can still be used for the following:
Bell-ringers for the beginning of lessons
Extra practice for learning outcomes currently being worked on
Homework study questions
Review of curriculum concepts for Math, Social, and Science (it could be review for the end of the school year or used as review during the summer before going to Grade 7 to scaffold learning)
The digital version is available via Google Slides. It allows the teacher to assign this resource on Google Classroom and offers a place for students to type in their answers. If the teacher made it as a copy for all students, the resource could be seen by the teacher to assess their learning.
If you would like a sample of what that might look like, try our Digital Freebie!
Let us know if you have tried our resource! We would love to hear from you.
Until then, happy distance learning. We’re here for you!
While teaching the trees and forests unit in grade six science, we found students lacked general background knowledge of the Boreal Forest and it’s organisms. Before students can start to care and connect with the concepts in this unit, it’s helpful for them to be able to see what trees, plants and animals are being discussed. Using the Trees and Forests Activity Set, especially the cut outs, is one way that has helped our students build this necessary background knowledge.
Trees and Forests Activity Set on TPT
Admittedly, laminating and cutting is very time consuming. The Trees and Forests cutouts were created so a long blade can be used for more efficiency. If you laminate before using the long blade or scissors the cutouts will not peel.
Trees and Forests – Cutouts
If you’re really pressed for time, we suggest hosting a trees and forests cutouts party with a group of helpful students! Take your child to work day always provides our school with eager students looking for tasks such as this!
In May and June, the Alberta government administers Provincial Achievement Tests (P.A.T.s) in May and June for grade six and grade nine students across the province. Grade six students write tests on the following subject areas: Language Arts (reading comprehension and writing), Math, Science, and Social. Although it can be a stressful time of year, it is an important milestone for our grade six students in particular, as it helps prepare them for high school exams, the grade 9 PAT, and grade twelve diploma that are to come.
Beginning with the Right Mindset
Before we review for these tests, we encourage students to begin by having the right mindset. We tell students to start with positive thoughts: we have all worked hard together and they can do anything if they put their mind to it! These tests are also only one way to evaluate their learning; it does not define them. If they don’t understand some concepts yet, they can get there with hard work and support. It is also not about comparing themselves to others – it is about their inner confidence.
PAT Review
We have shared several strategies for students and parents to help them review and retain the curriculum they have learned:
Classroom Review – We have found that arranging classroom time for review is essential with helping students prepare. What this may look like is providing “Scheduled Review” or “Bell Work” in the morning as soon as students walk in the classroom. The question on the board (or on Google Classroom) could be related to one or more subject areas. After observing and helping students, the question could be addressed in pairs, small groups, and as a whole class to discuss thoughts and questions.
Flash Cards – Research has shown that flash cards can be an important tool to improve and understand concepts. Students can make flash cards in class with coordinated colours for each subject. They can also be made digitally through web applications such as Quizlet, so that they do not forget them to and from school.
Quest A+ – This a website by the Alberta government that provides practice tests for grades six, nine, and twelve on the following subject areas in English and French: Language Arts, Math, Social, and Science. These questions and answers are helpful, especially because they are from released PAT’s and diplomas.
ExamBank – ExamBank is similar to QuestA+ in that it provides sample practice tests, but for a wide range of grades (K-12). One advantage is the way in which they provide randomized sets of questions either per subject unit, or as a whole. While this is a great advantage, ExamBank does require payment of logins. School districts, individual schools, teachers, or parents are able to pay for logins for students.
THE KEY – Some parents have found it helpful to purchase “THE KEY,” a series of workbooks that contains questions and answers related to certain curriculum. “THE KEY Study Guide – Math 6” can be found in Chapters, along with the following subject areas for grade six: Language Arts, Social, and Science.
PAT Prep Bundle
To further assist students with reviewing the curriculum, we have created a PAT Prep Bundle. This bundle is a combination of 6 volumes, making it six weeks worth of Math, Science, and Social questions. This resource also comes equipped with response sheets for students, an answer key, a “how to study” guide, and a spot to jot notes on what students need extra help on.
Students work on one Math, Science, and Social concept a day. By the end of six weeks, they have reviewed all the curriculum!
We have noticed an improvement with students’ study habits. By working on these questions each day, students have been learning to pace their studying, as opposed to cramming a lot of information in a short amount of time.
We have also noticed that there has been an increase in the responsibility of students’ learning with this PAT Prep Bundle. Students have been taking the initiative to work on these questions. We have seen them huddled together in small groups throughout the day – on the bus, during lunch, or even at recess – to discuss the questions together so that they can find success with the PAT’s. It is quite the sight, to see grade sixes so willingly take this on every single day!
Overall, success on the PAT’s can be found through hard work, preparation, and dedication. By preparing students with the right mindset and a toolkit of strategies will they be able to find the inner confidence to show the best that they got by the time the PAT’s arrive. 🙂
3 Heads Are Better Than 1 