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Test Preparation - Parent Tips
(Source: http://www.time4learning.com/testprep/#buildskills)
1. Build Test Skills:
The best preparation is to steadily build skills. Children who master math and reading fundamentals, such as; phonics, reading comprehension strategies, and facts and formulas, will be prepared for more complex questions and concepts, and will ultimately perform better on tests.
2. Test Prep at Home:
Taking a standardized test differs from taking regular school tests. Standardized tests are strictly timed and have specific instructions to follow. Schools do spend time acquainting students with what to expect, but reinforcement at home will make your child feel more prepared. At a minimum, have your child become familiar with testing procedures.
3. Test-Taking Tips
Test Prep isn’t a substitute for lack of knowledge, but parents should make sure their children know what to expect and how to best approach a big test. Here are tried and true strategies that help in the testing clinch!
4. On the Week of the Test – Minimize Anxiety! Even a well-prepared student can feel pre-test anxiety. Encourage your child to relax and to view the test as a chance to show what they have learned. Reassure them that it’s natural to feel a little nervous and that the important thing is to try their best.
Finally, some last pieces of advice to make everyone in the family feel fully prepared for the testing experience:
Parting Thoughts: Think Long-Term
If you want to change your child’s performance on standardized tests, don’t over-focus on short-term test prep, as it only builds pressure which is generally counter-productive. Remember, it takes months and years to build skills. The results are largely determined by the years of previous education. The best solution is to stay involved in your child’s education, and to keep in mind that standardized tests, while giving you insight, are not the final say on how much your child is learning or how well they will do in life or even in academics.
Test Preparation - Parent Tips
(Source: http://www.time4learning.com/testprep/#buildskills)
1. Build Test Skills:
The best preparation is to steadily build skills. Children who master math and reading fundamentals, such as; phonics, reading comprehension strategies, and facts and formulas, will be prepared for more complex questions and concepts, and will ultimately perform better on tests.
- Review of old concepts should be consistent with the learning of new skills, so children are accumulating knowledge while refreshing basics.
- A fifteen minute daily review of basic facts and skills can make a world of difference when more difficult concepts are introduced.
- Children should be reading daily to themselves and aloud to parents for best results. Reading fluency and comprehension are gained through consistent exposure to literature.
2. Test Prep at Home:
Taking a standardized test differs from taking regular school tests. Standardized tests are strictly timed and have specific instructions to follow. Schools do spend time acquainting students with what to expect, but reinforcement at home will make your child feel more prepared. At a minimum, have your child become familiar with testing procedures.
- Prior to the test, exposure to answering a variety of question types ranging from fill-in-the-blank, to multiple choice, to lengthy reading passages, and computation practice will allow students to become acquainted with a mixture of formats.
- Designating a particular amount of time for an activity or review lesson to be completed can help children get in the mindset of finishing work with time restraints. The use of their own timer or stopwatch can help them be conscious of time, while also providing a fun way to do quick practices of certain skills.
3. Test-Taking Tips
Test Prep isn’t a substitute for lack of knowledge, but parents should make sure their children know what to expect and how to best approach a big test. Here are tried and true strategies that help in the testing clinch!
- Children should pay close attention to directions, and should note, highlight or underline any words that may assist them in answering the questions.
- In the reading comprehension section of the test, which can be very lengthy, test-takers should start by previewing the questions prior to reading the assigned passage. This helps children know what they are looking for when they read the text.
- In multiple-choice questions, if stumped, test-takers should first rule out answers they know are incorrect. It will then be easier to figure out the correct answer. Also, make sure your child understands the test’s system for scoring blanks versus incorrect answers.
- Pay attention to time. Introduce your child to the concept of time management. Then, throughout the year and just for fun, engage your child in some timed tests or quizzes. Consider rewards to spark enthusiasm.
4. On the Week of the Test – Minimize Anxiety! Even a well-prepared student can feel pre-test anxiety. Encourage your child to relax and to view the test as a chance to show what they have learned. Reassure them that it’s natural to feel a little nervous and that the important thing is to try their best.
Finally, some last pieces of advice to make everyone in the family feel fully prepared for the testing experience:
- The Day Before: A good night’s sleep the night before is most important. Test scores can be greatly affected when a child hasn’t gotten enough rest.
- Test Day: A good breakfast the morning of the test is a terrific brain booster. Nutrients help to stimulate the brain. Don’t forget last minute supplies, such as No. 2 pencils, a watch, and extra paper for working out problems.
Parting Thoughts: Think Long-Term
If you want to change your child’s performance on standardized tests, don’t over-focus on short-term test prep, as it only builds pressure which is generally counter-productive. Remember, it takes months and years to build skills. The results are largely determined by the years of previous education. The best solution is to stay involved in your child’s education, and to keep in mind that standardized tests, while giving you insight, are not the final say on how much your child is learning or how well they will do in life or even in academics.
Agenda Board:
There is a board in my classroom called our daily "Agenda". This board tells students what they will be doing in class each day and what assignments they are expected to complete. Their English homework will consist of A/R reading EVERY six weeks and vocabulary practice EVERY week. So, even though kids may not have traditional "homework" in my class that is assigned daily, they will always have reading and vocabulary work to do for me. Students are responsible for completing all in-class work, whether they are in class or not. If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to speak with a teacher to find out what they have missed.
If you ever have any questions, please give me a call at 830-486-9553
There is a board in my classroom called our daily "Agenda". This board tells students what they will be doing in class each day and what assignments they are expected to complete. Their English homework will consist of A/R reading EVERY six weeks and vocabulary practice EVERY week. So, even though kids may not have traditional "homework" in my class that is assigned daily, they will always have reading and vocabulary work to do for me. Students are responsible for completing all in-class work, whether they are in class or not. If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to speak with a teacher to find out what they have missed.
If you ever have any questions, please give me a call at 830-486-9553