If you’re a teacher in Ontario, you’ve probably felt it creeping in around this time of year:
That little voice reminding you EQAO is just around the corner.
I’ve been there too — staring at the calendar, wondering how to prep my class without turning our entire spring into a test-prep bootcamp. I wanted my students to feel prepared, confident, and capable… not stressed or overwhelmed.
So over the years, I’ve found a rhythm that works — one that balances curriculum expectations with calm, confidence-building prep.
First Things First: What Is EQAO?
EQAO assesses Reading, Writing, and Math in Grade 3 and Grade 6 across Ontario. For Grade 3 students, it usually happens in May or early June, and includes:
- Reading – Multiple choice + short/long answer
- Writing – Extended written responses
- Math – Multiple choice, short answer, open-response
In recent years, they've moved the test to a digital online format. It can be a lot for 8- and 9-year-olds, which is why I try to weave EQAO-style practice in slowly and intentionally.
When I Start EQAO Prep
I like to start gently in late March or early April — not with full-on test simulations, but with small, manageable pieces. Think:
- A few multiple-choice questions during morning work
- A short answer warm-up once a week
- One longer writing prompt every other week
By May, the format starts to feel familiar — and that’s half the battle for our little people.
My Top 5 Strategies for EQAO Prep (That Keep Things Calm)
Sprinkle practice into your regular routines
Instead of setting aside “EQAO time,” I fold EQAO-style questions into what we’re already doing. For example:
- During shared reading, I’ll ask questions that mimic EQAO styles
- In math, I’ll add a quick multiple-choice problem at the end of a lesson
- For writing, we’ll work on organizing our ideas using sentence starters and rubrics
🧠 Tip: I use my EQAO digital Google Forms for this — they’re self-marking and easy to assign.
Practice the test format (but keep it low-pressure)
Every week or two, we do a 20–30 minute practice session. I set it up like the test: quiet room, no help, time limit. Then, we review answers together and talk about strategies. It’s not about marks — it’s about getting comfortable with the format.
Build writing stamina little by little
Long answer questions are the biggest hurdle for many students. So we build stamina over time:
- We brainstorm ideas together
- Use graphic organizers
- Track word counts
- Read and compare student samples
- And yes — we celebrate when someone writes more than 100 words
Use digital tools to simplify your life
Honestly, this one saved me. My students love using Google Forms, and I love that:
- Multiple choice and short answers are auto-marked
- I can see class data at a glance in a Google Sheet
- I don’t have to carry around stacks of paper to mark
My digital bundles have 14 forms, and each one takes about 15 minutes to complete — perfect for centres or warm-ups.
Stay calm (so they do too)
At the end of the day, EQAO is just one snapshot. I remind my students that their job is to try their best — and mine is to help them feel ready. We practice positive self-talk, take deep breaths, and even make a little “EQAO Survival Kit” with snacks and affirmations.
My Favourite EQAO Tools (So I’m Not Reinventing the Wheel)
My EQAO MEGA Bundle is built to help you prep smarter, not harder — and it’s all teacher-tested in real Ontario classrooms.
It includes:
✔️ 14 reading passages with real EQAO-style questions
✔️ A printable language workbook
✔️ 14 Google Forms for independent practice
✔️ Sample long answer responses + rubrics
✔️ Math practice organized by strand
👉 Click here to see the full Grade 3 EQAO MEGA Bundle
Looking for support with Math & Language? Check this out!
Want to try an EQAO-style activity with your students — no prep needed?
We’ve created a free EQAO Language resource that includes a printable reading passage and comprehension questions, designed to mirror the format and rigour of the real test.
It’s great for a literacy centre, small group, or even whole-class warm-up — and it gives you a solid sense of how your students are doing with multiple-choice and short answer formats.
👉 [Grab your free EQAO Language Pack here]
It’s a calm, easy way to start your EQAO journey.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to panic, overplan, or print until your copier begs for mercy.
Start small. Build up slowly. Keep the energy calm.
And remember — you’re doing a great job.
Your students are lucky to have someone who cares enough to prepare them this thoughtfully. You've got this. Happy Teaching!
