How to Prepare for How to Prepare for Test-TakingTest-Taking

How to Prepare for How to Prepare for Test-TakingTest-Taking

Presented byPresented by

Sierramont FamilySierramont Family

April 10, 2008 @ Majestic April 10, 2008 @ Majestic WayWay

Tests are like rulers, except that

instead of measuring inches, they measure what we already know and what we still need to learn.

Prior to Testing…Parent’s Role

• See the teacher and establish a relationship.

• Set aside time each day to work with your child at a set time.

• Dads work with the child either directly or indirectly.

• Look over homework and have child explain homework prior to you

signing.

Before the Test…Your child should:

• Get a good night’s rest• Have a nutritional breakfast • Wear comfortable clothes • Arrive on time• Get into the testing spirit

What about test anxiety?

Test Anxiety…Remind your child to:

• Relax; he/she is in control. Take slow, deep breaths

• Don't think about the fear. Pause:  think about the next step and keep on task, step by step

• < relaxation>Use positive reinforcement for yourself: Acknowledge that you have done, and are doing your best

• Expect some anxiety. It's a reminder that you want to do your best and can provide energy.

Just keep it manageable. Realize that anxiety can be a "habit" and that it takes practice to use it as a tool

to succeed.

During the Test…Remind your child to:

• Answer the easy questions first• Pace him/herself • Make educated guesses; not random

ones• Not leave any questions unanswered• Check and read all possible answers

before making a final decision• Check that they are answering the

questions in the correct location

Multiple Choice Tests

Valentine’s Day isa. a red heart dayb. On February 14th

c. For giving chocolates & flowersd. All of the above

If 2 choices are very similar, most likely they’re both wrong.

If 2 choices are complete opposites, one of them is probably correct.

If “All of the above” is one of the choices, there’s a good chance it might be the right

answer.

When you don’t know the right answer, start by crossing off those you know are wrong.

Read the question with each choice. It must make sense together; if not, don’t choose it.

For example: The childa. were lost b. was alone but unhappy Treat each choice like a true/false item.

Items with words like, always, none, never, all, and every are often false or incorrect.

In math tests, try some estimating:For example: 253 x 312 = ___

a. 63,836 b. 23,636 c. 78,936 d. 76,468

Matching Tests___ 1. 15 - 8___ 2. 9 + 7___ 3. 13 – 7___ 4. 2 + 6

a. 6b. 8c. 16d. 7

Read both lists carefully and completely, doing the ones you’re sure of first.

Cross out each answer as you use it, unless told

that answers can be used more than once.

True/False TestsT/F All squares are rectangles.T/F Sometimes rectangles are squares.T/F questions with words such as always,

never, all, none, and every are USUALLY false.

If even one case for a situation is not true, the statement is false.

An answer is likely to be true if it contains

such words as sometimes, usually, probably

and some.

After the Test…Ask your child to think to him/herself:

1. I did well/ okay/ poorly because…2. I was well-prepared/not well-prepared

because…3. The easiest thing about this test was…4. The hardest thing about this test was…5. The next time I study for a test I will…6. The next time I take a test I will…

Doing well on a test is a combination of knowing how to take a test and knowing the stuff that goes into the answers.

---Ron Fry, author of Ace Any Test

Success is doing your best;Nothing else is quite as

important. ---Carol Josel