This is the second most frequently asked question, and rightfully so. Reading comprehension tests often drive the nature of instruction, but as more tests are turning to assessing reading strategy, the test is actually starting to looking different than instruction.

The question still stands, are they test-formatted? Yes. No.

Read on to see which are and aren’t.

Multiple-Choice Task Card Warm-Ups

The new reading comprehension warm-ups come in two types: task cards (for projecting) and interactive videos.

The multiple-choice task cards are test-formatted and align with CCSS and TEKS standardized test questions. They are also aligned and organized by Lexile levels to help you determine the warm-ups suited for your students’ needs.

In most cases, it will be an instructional mistake to only use the multiple-choice warm-ups. The open-ended warm-ups are designed to scaffold student thinking through talking and writing.

Why would it be a mistake?

Comprehension Warm-Ups, Not Like A Test

They also provide repeated reading for the multiple-choice warm-ups – which builds fluency, background knowledge, and clarifying strategies…none of which show up on tests, but deeply affect reading comprehension on the test!

Let me say that again.

Many reading skills and strategies do not show up on your standardized test.

However, if classroom instruction does not include these skills and strategies, many students will not be able to perform on higher-level tests of reading comprehension.

That is why spiral review is so important.

It builds fluency with underlying skills and processes such as:

• fluency
• background knowledge
• clarifying
• self-monitoring

Which Warm-Ups are Not Test Prep?

Some of the interactive videos include multiple-choice questions, but most include micro-lessons, reading fluency practice, using text evidence to guide thinking, building automaticity with comprehension, and promoting student talk.

The open-ended task cards are designed to scaffold students through student talk, writing, and examining text evidence. They are excellent resources for building close reading into your warm-up.

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Comments and Questions

Please add any comments or questions below that you still have…I’d be happy to provide any guidance or support you need!