Test -Taking Tips

For Parents

∑ Make sure your child is well rested on school days and especially on the day of the test.

• Provide a nutritious breakfast on the morning of the test.

• Be sure your child arrives on time to school each day and attends regularly. Tests reflect overall achievement, so regular attendance is important.

• Encourage your child to do his/her best instead of emphasizing the importance of test results.

• Donπt judge your child on the basis of a single test score. Itπs more important to focus on progress over a marking period than on the results of one test.

• Contact the teacher whenever you have questions about school progress, including test results.

If your child seems anxious about test taking

• Encourage your child to talk openly about those feelings.

• Show that you understand by nodding and listening quietly.

• Accept your childπs feelings without ≥correcting≤ them. Instead of ≥You shouldnπt feel that way,≤ try ≥It seems that you are worried aboutä.≤

• Talk calmly about problem solving strategies, such as talking with the teacher or school counselor.

• Teach positive ≥self-talk.≤ Help your child know how to encourage him/herself with positive phrases that support success, such as ≥I know how to do my best,≤ and ≥I can do it.≤

• Consult with your childπs teacher, counselor or the school psychologist for additional strategies.

From Mrs. Nancy Harper, School Counselor, Longfellow Elementary

S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

(A CHEER TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH TEST TAKING TIPS)

S ≠ Start by getting a good nightπs rest and eat a nutritious breakfast

U ≠ Use positive self talk (say, ≥I can do it and Iπll do my best!≤)

C ≠ Context clues will help you answer the questions

C ≠ Congratulate yourself after you have finished

E ≠ Ease your tension with relaxation techniques

S ≠ Scroll down strategy helps to focus on one item at a time

S ≠ Stay focused and listen carefully to the directions

Practice these strategies as you prepare for the MSA or any other tests

*from ≥Whatπs Great About Guidance?ä.Itπs for everyone!≤ Northfield Elementary School, Mrs. Christi Bello, School Counselor