“Test.” Even the very word strikes a chord, leaving the hairs on the end of our necks prickling. It doesn’t have to be that way for kids though! Whether you’re giving your child a head start on end-of-year tests or simply being proactive in her success, test prep and practice is a significant way to start making a difference in your child’s education today!
Don’t miss these Five Test Prep Tips for Spring:
1) Ask The Teacher: Ask your child’s teacher if they have any concerns about your child's readiness for upcoming tests. They may recommend your child get some extra practice in a particular area. Find out what resources your child’s school or your district offers to help with test preparation.
2) Spectrum® Test Prep Workbooks: Tennis great Arthur Ashe said, “One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” Spectrum® Test Prep and Test Practice Workbooks from our friend and sponsor, Carson-Dellosa Publishing, boost kids’ test-taking confidence through preparation. Spectrum® Test Prep Workbooks allow your child to practice real test questions so they become familiar and comfortable with standardized test material and question formats. Available for Grades 1–8, and in both print and ebook formats, Spectrum® Test Prep and Test Practice Workbooks are a smart way to achieve test success. Spectrum® books are aligned to the Common Core and your state standards.
3) Spring Training: Spring break is a perfect time for a little test-prep practice without the pressure of other schoolwork. Whether it’s in the car on the way to the beach, or for thirty minutes at the breakfast table, practicing skills daily will help keep kid’s skills sharp and prepare them for the rest of the school year. Make it a game! You can even have your child quiz you and tell you if your answers are correct. Show your child that learning is fun and rewarding.
4) Sleep & Nutrition: We all know super busy family schedules can leave little time for proper bedtimes and perfect sit-down breakfasts, but here’s a reason to make it a priority: Studies have found that children who get at least eight hours of sleep and have a nutritious breakfast are more alert, have longer attention spans, and even get better grades. If success with final exams and end of year assessments is a goal for your family, commit to a consistent bedtime routine and breakfast–even if it’s just a granola bar on the way out the door.
5) Talk With Your Child: All kids are different. Some keep school stress to themselves; others worry openly. Either way, talk with your child when it comes to test taking. Don't brush off their worries, even if they seem unfounded. Find out why they’re feeling stressed. Are they having trouble in math? Do they worry about completing the test in time? To boost their confidence, give your child specific examples of their academic progress this year. For example, you could say: “You've gotten all As on your spelling tests" or "You brought your math grade up to a B!” If your child is truly struggling, work together and with their teacher on a plan to practice the skills they need to succeed. And above all, stay positive! Remind your child that what they believe, they can achieve!
Thanks to our sponsor:
Carson-Dellosa Publishing makes learning fun! With unique educational product lines including Spectrum® Test Prep & Practice Workbooks, Summer Bridge Activities® books, Common Core teaching materials as well as classroom décor, stickers, flashcards and more, school has never been more colorful or effective!
