The One Test-Prep Strategy That Changes Everything

Heyyy SuperTeachers, let’s talk about Spiral Review.

Imagine your students learning a skill in September and never seeing it again until the week before the test. Sounds like a disaster, right? But that’s exactly what happens in so many classrooms—we teach, we move on, and then we expect students to remember months later.

That’s where spiral review saves the day. It keeps key concepts fresh by revisiting them in short, strategic bursts throughout the year.

And it's not too late. Instead of test prep packets try the following strategies tomorrow and then incorporate them next year starting on day one.

Here’s how to make it happen:

Start class with a “blast from the past” question. Every day, give students a problem from a previous unit to solve in pairs or groups. This low-stakes retrieval practice keeps concepts fresh.

Use exit tickets intentionally. Instead of only assessing today’s lesson, mix in review questions from previous units. This helps you catch misconceptions before they become ingrained.

Interweave old skills with new ones. Don’t teach topics in isolation. If you’re teaching fractions, sneak in some multiplication review. If you’re analyzing texts, have students apply an old annotation strategy.

Spiral Review

Why this works:

• It prevents the “learn and forget” cycle.

• It builds student confidence—no surprises on test day!

• It turns review into a daily habit, not a last-minute panic.

By the time the test rolls around, your students won’t feel like they’re cramming—they’ll just be practicing what they already know.

How do you make review part of your daily routine? Share your strategies below! ⬇️

Need more support? Let’s talk!

Every classroom is different, and sometimes you just need a thought partner to figure out what works best for you and your students. If you’d like to dive deeper into instructional strategies, student engagement, or just need a fresh perspective, schedule a coaching call! No pressure—just real talk and actionable steps to help you thrive.

Schedule a time that works for you here: Scheduling Link

Looking forward to connecting!

~ Dr. O