For many children across Jamaica, today was the first day of the two day Grade 4 Numeracy and Literacy examination.
Next week will be Grade 3 diagnostics.
And for the children’s school this Friday is the beginning of the exam period.
My children like most, run between not caring that these tests are occurring to feeling real trepidation.
I have found that helping the children study by lifting out the important information from their class work and text books makes it easier for them to tackle the stuff without getting overwhelmed.
I use alot of index cards.
But it really seems to help.
Still I went looking for tips to help them through the studying and preparation for the exam.
and thought this were good:
1) The top ten test taking tips for students at Teachervision.fen.com
1. Have a Positive Attitude
Approach the big test as you’d approach a giant jigsaw puzzle. It might be tough, but you can do it! A positive attitude goes a long way toward success.2. Make a Plan
The week before the test, ask your teacher what the test is going to cover. Is it from the textbook only? Class notes? Can you use your calculator? If you’ve been absent, talk to friends about material you may have missed. Make a list of the most important topics to be covered and use that as a guide when you study. Circle items that you know will require extra time. Be sure to plan extra time to study the most challenging topics.3. The Night Before
Cramming doesn’t work. If you’ve followed a study plan, the night before the test you should do a quick review and get to bed early. Remember, your brain and body need sleep to function well, so don’t stay up late!4. The Morning of the Test
Did you know that you think better when you have a full stomach? So don’t skip breakfast the morning of the test. Get to school early and do a ten-minute power study right before the test, so your brain is turned on and tuned up.Read more on TeacherVision: http://www.teachervision.fen.com/study-skills/teaching-methods/6390.html#ixzz1x3yuPYa0
Putting it in perspective
Sometimes anxiety can impede a student’s performance on tests even when he prepares well. If your child panics or become anxious when studying for tests, here are some strategies you can try:
- Encourage your child to focus on his strengths. “Remember, you have a really good memory and can recite all of the important facts.”
- Help your child put the test in perspective. “Remember this is just one test — you’ve done so well on the papers and projects, it won’t matter if you make some mistakes.”
- Emphasize the importance of your child’s effort and the strategies used. “You studied really well, and can be proud of that… It will really pay off on the test,” or in terms of the rest of his life…. “No one’s going to care what you get on this test — a year from now, 20 years from now….”
Reblogged this on Caribbean Tots to Teens and commented:
We love these suggestions. Having a plan is always reassuring, no matter how young you are. its reassuring for nervous parents too!