Preparing Grade Schoolers in Taking Standardized Tests

My 3rd grade son's teacher wrote a letter to the parents informing everyone that the 3rd grade's standardized test is one of the longest among the elementary students' tests. She suggested that, so that the students could have a feel of the test and experience less stress, parents could purchase or get hold of reviewers to help prepare the children.

The teachers are definitely doing their best to prepare the children for standardized tests that the district requires them to take. They have practice tests at school, and are being briefed how to go about with the test. They do sample questions that may be similar to what is expected from the actual tests. They practice how timed tests are done. In short, they are given a feel of how the test actually is.

It would not hurt if parents would do their share in making their children feel prepared and less anxious for tests like these. They know their children better, and they know the attitude and behavior of their children, even in situations like this.

Some children would get a mental block when they see a paper of endless questions in front of them. There are those who would feel stressed out already, knowing that the test is supposed to be finished at a certain time. Others would feel anxious on the day of testing, even before the test itself starts. Therefore, it would really do them good to properly brief them and to help them feel ready for the test.

The reviewer that my son's teacher recommended is a good material that could help a child with test-taking strategies and techniques. The book has a set of very good questions in different subjects that include reading, language arts, writing, basic skills, math, social studies and science. A reviewer like this would allow a child to take a quick peek of how the testing would go about, and what he/she is expected to know.

Doing a few number of pages a day would help the child get accustomed to the kind of questions that he/she might expect on the actual test. To see how test questions are worded and formatted would ease tension once the actual test is seen. It doesn't mean that the children would be test sophisticates, because they would not know the actual answers to the test questions. They are just being introduced to the style of the test and how to go about in answering various types of questions in different subjects.

What is good about the reviewer is the tips and advices that it gives to parents. It advises parents that their role in assisting their children with their school activities should be year round. It emphasizes the importance of reading, and in knowing how to use the computer as an educational resource. Aside from the need to check the children's homework and school projects, there is a need for regular contact with the teacher.

Furthermore, the reviewer gives simple but useful tips on what to do on the day of the test itself. This includes having a good breakfast and sleep. Parents should assure their children that he/she is not expected to know all of the answers on the test, and that the important thing is for him/her to put forth a good effort. Another suggestion states that it is good to keep a light mood on the test day or days. Provide snacks and fun activities, walk around the neighborhood, or play a short board game.

Aside from the practice questions, the reviewer assists by giving tips to the students themselves on what to do during testing itself. Mentioned are tips on how to manage their time properly, the need to following directions correctly and carefully, and how to fill in answer circles. Discussed also were issues about guessing and skipping a question.

Parents should be aware that even if the school has a big role in this endeavor, they could have their share in helping to prepare their children. Standardized tests are important because these could serve as an assessment tool for the school district about competency and proficiency. It could serve as an assessment for their curriculum frameworks. These tests are useful in assessing the achievement of individual students as well, and they could serve as instruments in placing students to certain school programs.