We trade cram-heavy test prep for a focused plan that teaches test literacy so students think clearly under pressure. You’ll learn how to coach two-part multiple choice, structure short answers with EBW, decode vocabulary in context, and spot direction and critical words that change meaning.

• why spiraling everything can backfire
• what test literacy is and why it matters
• two-part multiple choice feedback loop
• short answer structure using EBW
• vocabulary from context using cues
• direction words that define the task
• critical words that flip the question
• simple routines that lower stress
• resources to implement strategies fast

Test Prep Sweets Stations Activity: https://www.ebteacher.com/test-prep

We share a station-based routine that keeps rigor high, lowers stress, and makes ELA test prep engaging with short passages about sweets from around the world. Students rotate, gather evidence, and solve an acrostic puzzle using a traveling candy journal while we model test-aligned questions.

• why drill-and-kill test prep hurts engagement
• what students actually need for test readiness
• how Sweet Stations are set up and rotated
• using short informational texts with test-style stems
• building a candy journal for answers and keywords
• solving an acrostic puzzle to drive accuracy
• leveraging ChatGPT to draft passages and questions
• keeping pressure low while preserving rigor
• options to recreate or grab the done-for-you pack
• preview of next week’s skill-focused episode

Grab Sweet Stations at 40% off during testing season via this link: https://www.ebteacher.com/test-prep

If you try this with your students, tell us inside the EB Teacher community or message us on Instagram @EBAcademics

The belief that “more equals better” can quietly run your classroom and your life. We challenge that script with a fresh, practical look at simplicity—how lean lesson plans, streamlined grading, and tight routines can boost learning while giving you back time and calm. If January feels heavy, this is your nudge to stop feeding the plan book and start focusing on what truly moves the needle.

Ready to try it? Pick one simplification and commit to it this week. Then tell us how it goes—we’re cheering you on. If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a colleague who needs the reminder, and leave a quick review so more teachers can find the show.