Taking Tests

I have definitely been there and done that when it comes to test preparation. I am reminded of this again as I get ready to take a state teaching test that will determine whether or not I can become an administrator. No pressure right?!

One of the first things I try to do is find some sort of pre-test and gauge where I am exactly in the grand scheme of things. For example, for this test I have coming up in 3 weeks, my first pre-test I very quickly hurried through, skimming most of the questions, and I got a 65%. Ouch. The next time I took it, about 2 weeks later, I took my time and made sure I didn't have any distractions, and I got an 80%. Much better. I needed that boost of confidence. Plus, I now had 2 pretests for me to compare and figure out where exactly I was having struggles. I realized I needed to do research on state education statutes and some case law. Cool. I can do that.

My point is this: Any time you are facing a big test, there is always going to be preparation involved. Find a pre-test. Search for tutoring or information that can assist you in getting ready. Don't just rush through the preparation; take your time and really put forth your best effort. Analyze exactly how you did and where you were tripped up as this will direct your preparation in a more focused manner. Finally, get lots of rest and eat well the night before. I like to dress more professionally whenever I'm taking something like this, because I feel like I perform better when I think I look the part: successful.

Much luck to everyone as you are facing big tests and end-of-course exams. I will let you know how my test turns out!

Citations Assistance

I came across a new tool that should save TONS of time for anyone writing a research paper. It's called Citelighter. This is a tool that you will need to download to your computer. It nestles itself nicely into your internet explorer/google chrome/firefox tool bar. Unless you click the blue highlighter, you don't even know it's there. The biggest plus for this tool is that when you highlight information from an internet source, online journal article, or any other online course, the tool creates the citation for you in whatever format you need (APA, MLA, Chicago). No more do you need to spend hours gleaning that MLA manual for where that little period goes or which part is capitalized vs italicized. My only word of advice would be to double check the accuracy of the tool by spot checking your citations every now and then. You can easily edit a citation after Citelighter creates it. Oh and it stores everything for you. I haven't found a limit yet. It is also compatible with just about every site I have gone to, with the exception of my university lecture notes from the professor.  I can see this becoming extremely popular with students of all ages!

Ending with a Preposition=BAD right?

I'm sure everyone one of us has ended a sentence with a preposition at some point or another within your lifetime. I try to be very conscious of this whenever I am doing any sort of formal paper; however, it is much more difficult to keep track of whenever I am just casually writing. While there are many arguments for and against ending a sentence with a preposition, I think Grammar Girl has the best resource on the issue:
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/ending-prepositions.aspx

Check it out!

Grammar Support

Have you ever wondered what a teacher is talking about when they say things like: "Your antecedent doesn't match your pronoun. You are using anthropropmorphism. You have major subject/verb agreement errors."? These are common (and not so common) errors that people make in their writing. The solution is the same for all of them: Practice makes perfect. But in this age of teaching grammar through the writing process, the good old-fashioned "drilling" of skills doesn't happen in the classroom. So where can you turn for help when you need it? Well, I have found four sites that make this learning fun through interactive grammar games.

http://www.funenglishgames.com/activities.html

This site is built around the needs of ESL students; however, the games are great for anyone needing help with the basics: nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/grammar/grammar_tutorial.htm
While this site has the appearance of an elementary or middle school level, the skills are universal for all levels of learners. My favorite is the "Parts of Speech Tutorial" because of its interactive style of story-creating/telling.

http://www.english-online.org.uk/games/gamezone2.htm
The Grammar of Doom game is fantastic. As someone who has been teaching grammar for over 14 years, I was even challenged by part of this game.

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/k_5/grammar/
Finally, this website is based on skills taught in grades 2-5. Some of these are basic; however, if you are faced with what seems complicated, sometimes looking at it through a "basic" lense is beneficial.

Check them out while I'm on the hunt for even more!

Expand your text

Have you ever been told you just don't have enough description in your writing? You are lacking "significant details"? You need more adjectives? There is a site dedicated to showing you how to take a sentence like: I made tea; and turn it in to a full page well-developed paragraph with just the click of your mouse. Check it out!

www.teliscopictext.com

Interactive Literature with Google Earth

This website www.googlelittrips.com has a very innovative way to experience literature. The creators have linked various stories and novels to Google Earth. Essentially, you can read a novel and experience the actual locations where the story is set. There are a a variety of selections that appeal to all ages. There is also the capability to create your own interactive trip with a piece of literature of your choice!

Need punctuation help?

http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/braingames/iknowthat/Paintball/L3.cfm

This website is a game that increases in difficulty and speed as you progress through the levels. If you have trouble with capitalization, commas, end punctuation, or quotation marks, this is a fun way to enhance your skills. Check it out!