Well friends, it is nearly Spring and that means the beginning of test season. These days our children are being tested for placement and progress. While testing in and of itself isn't wrong per se, State Assessment Tests and how they are used calls into question the pressure put on students. I've talked with moms whose kids have anxiety attacks at test time. We're talking about 3rd graders! Schools emphasize testing in order to receive a good 'grade' and the funds that come with it. Testing will always be a part of the educational experience. It is in your child's best interests if you and your child's teacher(s) work together to make testing a less stressful experience. Children should know that testing is important but it is not a life or death matter. They should always be taught to do their best and, really that is all anyone should expect from them. Children should have a well-developed sense of pride in their work. From day one in school, encouragement goes a long way toward helping a student become confident in their skills. Teachers should also teach students test taking skills as they get older. Parents should make sure that their child had plenty of sleep the night before a test. They should eat a breakfast containing protein so they do not suffer a sugar slump mid-morning. Hopefully, a parent has been looking at the child's homework and gone over their work to make sure they've done the assignment correctly. Parents should at least offer to help them study for their spelling test. When finished, a comment such as, "I think you are ready! Good job!" is appropriate. It also prepares them later for testing on standardized testing. Work together and you will both survive testing. |
  |
