Helping Your Child Prepare for State Tests Part 2: Let's Look FORWARD to This!

Last year I went out of my comfort zone and applied to teach at my school’s Saturday Academy. Saturday Academy invites students in grades 3-5 to receive intensive intervention in ELA or Mathematics, in preparation for the New York State Tests on, you guessed it, Saturdays.  I was invited to teach 4^th graders in both academic areas.  As a first grade teacher, this task was daunting to me. Was I qualified to guide these children to take the most difficult of the elementary grade tests?

As I entered the classroom on my first day of class, twelve grumpy 10 year olds greeted me. Looking around at their sleepy faces, some scowling, others avoiding eye contact, my educator instincts kicked in. I sat down at a desk with them, and I told them, “I am so excited that I get to spend Saturdays with you!”  That got their attention, and guards went down. One child said, “I am glad you’re the teacher, but I don’t want to be here on Saturdays.” Instinct gave way to inspiration, and I said, “You guys are right! It stinks being in school on a Saturday! Believe me, I was in fourth grade too! And I hated it. It was the hardest year of my life…and that’s including college.” They laughed, and I continued on. “You guys are actually really lucky. Not everyone is invited to come to Saturday Academy. You will be really, really prepared for your test. Your teachers asked you here to help you!” On that first day, I realized quickly that these students thought that they were being punished; education had become a sentence for them. It wasn’t exciting; it wasn’t for their benefit. It was “have to,” and I was all too familiar with that feeling from my days in elementary school. I began to assure them, not scare them. I got them to understand that there are “tricks” to test taking, and that the writers of the test are looking to see if they can follow directions almost as much as if they can read and write. The lessons I taught on that first day may not have been conventional, but I truly believe they helped these 4^th graders more than drilling facts.

There are vital, non-academic ways to help your child. There are ways to let them know that they are “more than a test score.” Most importantly, there are ways to help decrease test taking anxiety and increase success on these daunting test days. All too often, students are caught up in the increasing pressure that is put on their teachers to perform. Indirect threats are made as the count down to the test begins. A seemingly innocent “There are only 20 school days until your test!” can cause a child to panic inwardly. Our children pick up on these small things, and it can negatively affect how they do on their tests before a single question is answered.

Here are some suggestions from a teacher and mother on how to support your child as they approach April.

1)   Create an atmosphere in your home that learning is important and fun, and show that you are interested in their education. Homework time in my house can be stressful and rushed, and as a working mother (even though I am a teacher) there are days when I just want it done. However, I have made it a point to set aside an hour or so each night to read, ask and answer questions, and hear my child’s concerns for academics. This reiterates the idea that you want your child to learn, not do well on a test. If your child tries to escape from homework at night, or from reading, or from completing a math assignment, it is most likely because they don’t fully understand the curriculum and may be feeling lost and over their heads. Giving our undivided attention, as well as our enthusiasm (even if fake), can go a long way in encouraging them to “figure it out,” either on their own or with your help. If you are overwhelmed by new math concepts (what is the new math, anyway?) reach out! There are so many of us out here who would be willing to offer support and resources to help! Post a question on Facebook, and I guarantee you will get several teacher answers immediately!

2)   Begin discussing the tests now in a non-threatening, low pressure way. Have them look forward to the test, instead of dreading it. One school in Westchester has a count down to the test, where the teachers and administration get the students excited that they get to show how much they know, as opposed to catching them in what they don’t. Changing the expectation in this simple way can lead to a much different outcome for your child.

3)    Let them know that the outcome will not change how you feel, or how their teacher views them. Assure them that this is only one way that will show how much they have learned this year. Their performance will not have a negative impact on them. Encourage them to take their time and do their best. That is all that is in their control. Parent note: There will be additional opportunities to take the assessment again if your child does not fare well. This little, not-widely-known tidbit may take the stress off you, so that your own expectations have less pressure.

4)   Some people do not do well on tests. One of my closest, most brilliant friends has been struggling for years with a standardized board exam. She lives her life practicing what she studied, but the test always eludes her. Your child may be one of these people. If you are aware of this ahead of time, there are techniques said to work well to help your child. Some of these, found on Study Guides and Strategies (http://www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm) include:

Before the test:

1. Teach relaxation techniques for your child to learn if they feel nervous during the test:
   1.                                                i.     Relax; you are in control. Take deep, slow breaths.
   2.                                               ii.     Don’t think about the fear. Pause. Think about the next step and keep on task, step by step.
   3.                                             iii.     Use positive reinforcement. Talk yourself through what you have already accomplished, and reassure yourself that you are doing your best!

          During the test:

1. Read the directions carefully. Figure out what the question is really asking.
2. Budget your test taking time.
3. Change positions to help you relax.
4. e.      If you go blank, skip the question and go on.
5. If you're taking an essay test
and you go blank on the whole test, pick a question and start writing. It may trigger the answer in your mind
6. g.     Don't panic
when students start handing in their papers. There's no reward for finishing first.

5)   More ways to build confidence in preparation:

1. Get a good night’s sleep!
2. Eat a healthy meal before the test (Fresh fruits and veggies are said to reduce stress. Avoid junk food, eggs, high sugar or fried foods).
3. Each night, after one part of the test is done, have a discussion with your child. Ask what they found difficult and why, and what was easy for them. Be sure to listen, and do not judge their feelings or approaches.

Remember, these state tests are just the beginning of their educational journey. They are as important to your child as a job evaluation by your boss. Understand why they are so anxious, and do your best to internalize confidence and excitement.

The next part of this series will delve into the academics of the test. See you then!