Big Talk From Small Libraries 2019: SAT Bootcamp
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The SAT boot camp begins in October in preparation for the March/April SAT, emphasizing extensive practice in math and reading. It includes strategies for success, weekly meetings with snacks, and engaging activities to motivate students, while also encouraging them to work on their weaknesses at home. Students are supported with materials and prizes, fostering a fun and collaborative learning environment.
Big Talk From Small Libraries 2019: SAT Bootcamp
- 2. Begin in October for a March/April SAT School has already begun Allows time for practicing math and reading skills extensively before final month The last three to four weeks should be taking complete timed practice tests only Meet for no longer than two hours with a break in the middle Have a pizza or sub sandwich party at the halfway point (January)
- 3. Strategies for success Setting your individual speed limit Narrowing choices by eliminating answers Don’t spend too much time on one question- move on! Bring a watch to the test Don’t read the directions Choose a letter of the day It’s okay to guess-don’t leave anything blank!
- 4. Folders for them to keep their weekly work. (The more humorous or fancy the better.) Pencils and erasers Whiteboards, erasers and Expo markers Scratch paper Keep a file of previous week’s work in case of absence. It’s great to put stickers on their folders for attendance. Plan on offering snacks and beverages every week.
- 5. Peterson’s SAT Prep Guide (great explanations for each question) Princeton Review On-line SAT practice tests Khan Academy on-line You-tube High school math textbooks Vocabulary flashcards
- 6. Phones are to be put on silent and placed in a basket away from the study area Students may check their phones for messages at the halfway point Students are expected to bring their folders and the calculator they will use on the actual test. Students are encouraged to ask questions when they don’t understand something! Really stress this. Each student must feel comfortable working with the group. Provide each student with a whiteboard and marker. Encourage them to show how to obtain an answer on their whiteboard for the “good of the group.” In boot camp terms, “we leave no man behind.”
- 7. Give prizes for students who have attended the most evenings in a row or in total at the end of the boot camp. They love silly t-shirts. Play a game during the last five minutes and give away stuff! They love it! Donated teen titles, giant candy bars, funny coffee cups, etc. I use rock/paper/scissors, war, guess a number, a Tenzi dice game, and their favorite—Revenge of the Sixth to choose a winner! I am perfectly honest with the teens. If I don’t know how to solve a math problem or answer a reading question I tell them. They are amazing at helping me out! It encourages them to show off their skills!
- 8. Remind students often that the Boot Camp is not the only tool for preparing for the SAT test. They should be spending time at home working on identified weak areas. Let students know that a re-take for a better score is always a possibility. Ask them for assistance on the next year’s Boot Camp. They have the experience to share with others. Be sure to take a pre- and post-survey so you can improve the Boot Camp for the next time. Have fun getting to know the teens!