Home School Grade Level Testing Tips

When the public school students here in Virginia are preparing to take their SOL tests, my kids are also ready for their end of the year grade level testing. This will be my first year doing the grade level testing for my youngest child, but luckily I have the experience from my oldest to help make this a successful and organized event.

While all of the work that the kids have been doing has increased their knowledge and skills, the testing seems to make them a little bit nervous so we have a 4-week plan for testing. Beginning the first week of May until the first week of June, they work on this schedule, and then they are free for the summer! (Somewhat, I do continue unstructured schooling through the summer with projects and trips.)

Home School Grade Level Testing-Week 1

Do a pretest on Monday that covers what will be on the final test. We use these tests to go back and review anything that is giving them problems or that they need a little more work on. The rest of the week is spent on this review and extra work is given in areas that need improvement.

Home School Grade Level Testing-Week 2

During the second week I give more detailed subject based quizzes and do a lot of review. The hardest thing for me to adjust to as a home schooling parent was the repetition. I thought once I taught them that they would know it, but as with most knowledge and skills if you don't use it you may lose it. Continually revisiting skills that you have already covered throughout the year helps keep this information fresh and ready in their minds.

Home School Grade Level Testing -Week 3

During the third week we do practice tests. I like to actually go back one grade level and throw in a few practice tests from that year in order to keep their minds working. This week we also finish early and try to do some fun things as well, I don't want them to be frazzled and frustrated before the testing even begins. I have had to resign myself to the fact that no matter how many times we've gone over it, there are still some questions they will miss on the tests, just because I am their teacher doesn't change their individual inclinations toward learning. They both learn differently and excel in different areas. My goal is simply to make sure that they have the knowledge needed to pass the testing and feel prepared to begin the next grade level.

Homeschool Grade Level Testing-Week 4

I aim for one test per day for each child but may have to do two in order to finish in one 5-day week. I let them start with whichever subject they want to do first, which means this year one will be starting with Science and one will tackle History. I find that giving the kids choices and some control makes the process a little easier. Once I give them their instructions I leave the room. This keeps me from looking over their shoulders, or having to fight the urge to correct something. This is the time when all of the work we have done and all the things I have taught them will be there in their minds, but it is up to them to put it into play.