If you’re gearing up for STAAR review season, you know how overwhelming it can feel to cover everything before test day. But before diving into practice tests and problem sets, I love to start with an activity that gets students thinking, talking, and recalling everything they’ve learned throughout the year… Tour of Knowledge!
This strategy sets the stage for a successful 10-day math STAAR review by activating prior knowledge, building confidence, and helping students see just how much they’ve learned. Plus, it’s super simple to set up!
How to Run a Tour of Knowledge in Your Classroom
Step 1: Set Up Your Posters
Before students arrive, place posters around the room—one for each major math topic covered throughout the year. At the top of each poster, write the topic name (e.g., Fractions, Place Value, Measurement, Geometry).
Step 2: Group Students & Assign Markers
Next, divide students into small groups of 2-4 students. Give each student their own colored marker—this ensures everyone is accountable for contributing.
Step 3: Brain Dump Time!
Each group spends 2-3 minutes at a poster, writing down everything they remember about that topic. No idea is too small! They can jot down:
✅ Vocabulary words
✅ Strategies they were taught
✅ Key concepts or tricks they’ve learned
✅ Any connections they’ve made throughout the year
Step 4: Rotate & Review
After time is up, students rotate to the next poster and repeat the process. But before adding new information, they first:
✔️ Read what’s already been written
✔️ Add a ✅ next to ideas they agree with
✔️ Add a ❓ next to anything they’re unsure about
By the end of the rotations, each poster becomes a student-generated review guide packed with everything they’ve learned!
Step 5: Add a Vocabulary Sort (Optional Bonus!)
To deepen understanding, print out important math vocabulary words from the year and have students sort them into the correct topic category. This reinforces connections between concepts and ensures students are using precise math language.
Why This Works So Well for STAAR Review
This activity is a game-changer for a few reasons:
✅ It activates prior knowledge, making students more receptive to upcoming review lessons.
✅ It encourages collaboration and allows students to learn from each other.
✅ It builds confidence as students realize just how much they already know.
✅ It helps you identify gaps in understanding before diving into deeper review.
By starting your 10-day STAAR review with Tour of Knowledge, you set the tone for a review period that is engaging, student-centered, and effective. Looking for even more amazing instructional strategies? Check out the instructional strategies playlist from Lead4Ward.
Ready for a Full 10-Day STAAR Review Plan?
This is just one strategy I love using, but if you need a structured 10-day STAAR review with ready-to-go activities, I’ve got you covered!
🎉 Sign up for my FREE 10-Day STAAR Review Plan and take the stress out of planning! 🎉
📩 Grab it here: Sign Up for the 10-Day STAAR Review
Let me know if you try Tour of Knowledge in your classroom—I’d love to hear how it goes! 🚀
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