Welcome to Northeast Elementary School!
As spring approaches, the time for the state assessments also approaches. Students in Grades 3, 4 and 5 will be tested in Reading in March and April. They will be tested in Math in May. Grade 4 students will have their Composition Test at the end of March. Grade 5 students will also take an MCAS in Science and Social Studies in May. Here are some tips for helping your child or children prepare for the tests:
1. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest the night before the test. Children who are tired are less able to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of a test.
2. On the morning of the test, your child needs to get up in plenty of time so
he/she won't feel rushed.3. Feed your child a good breakfast. Research shows that children do better on tests if they have had a good breakfast. Give your child a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind. Give your child a well rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind. Most schools provide free breakfast and lunch for economically disadvantaged students. If you believe your child qualifies, please contact me.
4. Do as much as you can to make your child feel comfortable. Try not to say things to make him/her feel more nervous. Don't be too anxious about a child's test scores. If you put too much emphasis on test scores, this can upset a child.
5. Reassure your child that no matter the outcome of the test you will still love him/her. Encourage them to simply do their best.
6. Take an active role in your child's education throughout the school year. Let your child know you are interested in his/her learning by taking part in the entire process. Meet with your child's teacher as often as possible to discuss his/her progress. Ask the teacher to suggest activities for you and your child to do at home to help prepare for tests and improve your child's understanding of schoolwork.
7. Find out all you can about the test. Ask questions of the teacher and/or principal. The more you and your child know about the test, the better prepared your child will be.
8. When the scores are sent to you, talk to your child's teacher and/or principal. This will help you to understand them more clearly.
9. Give your child praise even if he or she didn't do well on the test.
10. Don't judge a child on the basis of a single test score. Test scores are not perfect measures of what a child can do. There are many other things that might influence a test score.
11. Do encourage children. Praise them for the things they do well. If they feel good about themselves, they will do their best. Children who are afraid of failing are more likely to become anxious when taking tests and more likely to make mistakes.
12. Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home.
13. Make sure your child attends school regularly. Remember, tests do reflect children's overall achievement. The more effort and energy a child puts into learning, the more likely he/she will do well on tests.
14. Provide books and magazines for your youngster to read at home. By reading new materials, a child will learn new words that might appear on a test. Ask your child's school about a suggested outside reading list or get suggestions from the public library.
Let's welcome spring with open arms!
