When students need more time, I turn to several strategies that can help them catch up or review previously taught material.

1. Meet with students in small groups to target specific concepts
2. Play review games
3. Adding in an additional 2-3 days of instruction (if possible) on the topic
4. Working key content into all areas of the day, for example, when my students are learning about 3 dimensional shapes, we are constantly pointing them out so they can see lots of examples and repeat the names of the shapes as often as they are able.
5. Finding songs or videos that cover the key concepts. Often putting ideas to music or rhythm helps students grasp or remember key concepts.

Using exit tickets to have an understanding where the students are during the concept helps me. I then use this information to spiral in those concepts into the next lesson to reinforce the skills that students struggle with. I also use this method to adjust the curriculum incase the students are understanding the concepts. With diagnostic testing to see where the students are diffident and forming groups based on that information, it is easier to adjust the curriculum. It is also important to look at the test item specs to see where your time would be best utilized addressing the heavy tested items. I understand that some may say teaching to the test is not the best idea, but understanding expectations and knowing the emphasis of types of test questions really can help adjust your pacing.