One ACCESS Test Prep Routine for Every Grade, K–12

If you teach English learners in several grades, test season can feel like six different jobs. Kindergarten takes the test one-on-one on paper. Grades 1–3 work on screen but write on paper. Older students type. One routine across all of them saves your sanity, and it helps students feel calm.

I’ve said it before: practicing test-style items through the year isn’t teaching to the test. It means students aren’t surprised on test day, so they can feel confident and show off their language skills.

A 10-day routine that works at every grade

• Days 1–2: What the test looks like, and how to stay calm.
• Days 3–4: Listening: look at the pictures first, then listen.
• Days 5–6: Reading: find the key words, then check the answer.
• Days 7–8: Speaking: answer in full sentences, then add more with because.
• Day 9: Writing: plan, write, then check.
• Day 10: A mini practice test, with lots of praise.

Each lesson follows I do, We do, You do, so students see a model before they try.

Match the format to the age

Let Kindergarten point, talk and draw while you record. Give Grades 1–3 practice screens for listening and reading, with writing on paper. Give Grades 4–12 typed writing and longer academic passages. And keep the tone respectful for teens.

Bring families in

Families feel better when they know what the test is. A short letter and a “What is the ACCESS test?” page in their language goes a long way.

If you want it ready to go

My WIDA ACCESS Test Prep K–12 Bundle has all six grade-band units (Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grades 2–3, 4–5, 6–8 and 9–12). Each is a full 10-day unit with a teacher guide, slides, a printable workbook, digital practice, Google Forms quizzes (Grades 1–12) and family kits. All items are original and are for practice and familiarity, not to predict scores. Want to try it first? The FREE sampler has 18 real pages from all six units.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by WIDA or the Wisconsin Center for Education Research. WIDA and ACCESS are trademarks of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.