Mr. Kellogg's Class Blog

With just one week to go before the EOG it goes without saying that we will be doing a bit of test prep in both reading and math. However, it’s equally important that students have a chance to relax before the big event so homework this week will be kept to a minimum. Below are some tips to keep in mind before next week.

Tips to give your child about taking tests:

• Relax. Just do the best you can. That’s what really matters.
• Your first choice is usually correct. Don’t change an answer unless you have a good reason to do so.
• Be aware of key words such as “all,” “now,” “always,” “never,” “only,” “exactly.”
• Watch for negative words like “not,” “no,” “never.”
• Look for information in some of the questions. This information may help you answer other questions.
• Listen closely to verbal directions and read carefully any instructions on the test itself.
• Ask the teacher to explain any instructions you doesn’t understand.
• Work out math problems, even if they seem easy.
• On the reading portion of the test, search for “clues” to each question and underline them in the story.
• Answer the questions you know first and come back to the harder ones later, remembering to mark unanswered questions so they’re easy to find.

You can assist your child prepare for testing by doing the following:

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep before a test, and make sure your child eats properly the day of a test.
• Maintain a pleasant home environment and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Try to make the morning of the test a pleasant one. Do not add to your child’s stress.
• Make sure your child has taken any needed medication.
• Ensure that your child is present during testing (children generally perform better when taking tests in their groups rather than at a make-up time).
• Get your child to school on time the day of the test.
• Wish your child good luck each morning of the test. Tell your child that he/she is special and that you believe in him/her!
• Remind your child the test is important. Encourage him/her to do his/her best.
• If your child is too ill to attend, please call the school office.
• Remind your child to listen carefully to the instructions from the teacher and to read the directions and each question carefully.
• Tell your child to attempt to answer all of the questions and not to leave any blank.
• Encourage your child to stay focused on the test, even if other students finish early.
• If your child is disappointed after taking a test, reassure him or her that there will be plenty of opportunities to improve and succeed.