10 Effective Ways to Start Middle School ESL Students Practicing for TELPAS and Other Language Tests in NOW

When I first moved from the elementary bilingual classroom to ESL secondary, I thought it was going to be a breeze. My students all spoke English and all they needed was a little nudge to get them to score high enough on the language test to exit the program.

Boy, was I wrong!

Even my own kids struggled to score a 4 on all four domains when the test went from print and teacher-evaluated to digital and AI evaluated!

The thing is, we know they speak English. They know they speak English. They can pass the academic assessments. Yet, they can’t exit the ESL program.

What the…?

Language testing is like a game. They have their set of criteria students need to get through in order to finish all the levels, right? In order to win the game, we need to know what the rules are.

A couple of years ago, I NEEDED to know what the rules were because my scores were not cutting it. So I went on a mission to study the TELPAS test and figured out as much as I could about it. Then I put all my research into practice for my students and voila!

Here are a few things you can do NOW to get your students to learn the rules and measure up for the language test in the spring:

1. Daily Warm-Up Prompts

Kick off each class with language test-style speaking or writing prompts. These brief exercises help students get comfortable with the types of questions they will encounter on the test. As they progress, gradually increase the complexity of these prompts to challenge their growing language skills.

Why this works: These daily prompts give students consistent practice, making the test format second nature to them by the time spring rolls around.

2. Speaking Stations

Create different speaking stations in your classroom where students can rotate through various speaking tasks. These might include describing a picture, answering a personal question, or telling a short story. This variety helps students practice different aspects of spoken language.

Why this works: Speaking stations simulate the varied tasks they’ll see on language tests, making sure they’re prepared for anything.

3. Role-Playing Scenarios

Role-playing real-life scenarios is a great way to prepare students for language tests. Have students practice ordering food, asking for directions, or discussing their weekend. These activities simulate the real-life language use that language tests assess.

Why this works: By practicing real-world scenarios, students get to use English in context, which is exactly what TELPAS and other tests measure.

4. Peer Interviews

Pair students together for peer interviews on specific topics. This not only improves their speaking skills but also their listening comprehension. Encourage students to ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going.

Why this works: Peer interviews encourage active listening and spontaneous speaking, both critical skills for scoring well on language tests.

5. Listening Comprehension Exercises

Listening is a key component of TELPAS and other language tests. Use short audio clips or podcasts followed by comprehension questions to build students’ listening skills. Start with simple material and gradually increase the difficulty as students improve.

Why this works: Consistent listening practice familiarizes students with the types of questions they’ll face, making them more confident and accurate during the actual test.

6. Interactive Vocabulary Games

Make vocabulary practice fun with games like vocabulary bingo or memory matching. Focus on words that are likely to appear on the TELPAS or other language tests. This will help students retain key vocabulary in an engaging way.

Why this works: Vocabulary is the foundation of language. By making it fun, students learn without even realizing they’re preparing for a test.

7. Sentence Starters for Writing

Provide students with sentence starters to help them begin their written responses. This technique builds their confidence in writing structured and coherent responses, a crucial skill for TELPAS.

Why this works: Writing is often the most challenging domain for students. Sentence starters help them overcome the blank-page syndrome and get their ideas flowing.

8. Group Discussions

Facilitate small group discussions on familiar topics. Guide students to use complete sentences and incorporate academic language. This not only prepares them for TELPAS but also improves their critical thinking and language skills.

Why this works: Group discussions help students practice speaking in a low-pressure environment, boosting their confidence for the real test.

9. Digital Practice Activities

Leverage digital platforms like Google Slides or online quizzes that mimic the language test format. These tools help students practice independently and become familiar with the test interface.

Why this works: Since language testing is now digital, it’s crucial for students to be comfortable with the online format. Digital practice ensures they won’t be thrown off by the technology on test day.

10. Practice Packets

Provide students with practice packets that include sample reading, writing, speaking, and listening exercises. Assign these as homework or in-class activities to ensure continuous practice.

Why this works: Practice packets offer a comprehensive way for students to engage with all four domains regularly, ensuring no area is overlooked.

Conclusion

Starting TELPAS or language test preparation at the beginning of the year is a smart way to set your ESL students up for success. By incorporating these 10 activities into your lesson plans, you can help your students develop the language skills they need to excel in all four domains—listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Consistent practice from the start of the school year will not only boost their confidence but also significantly improve their performance on the TELPAS or any other language proficiency test.

By using these strategies, you’ll be setting your students up to win the language testing game. And the best part? You’ll be confident they’re learning the rules and mastering the skills they need to exit the ESL program with flying colors.

Need additional TELPAS practice for your students? I’ve got you covered!