Preparing for State Testing

Knowing the importance and purpose of the test can help you relay the correct message to your child and answer their own questions and doubts about the format of the test. Click on the picture to learn more about the MCA and look at the Parent's Information Sheet.

Include a healthy breakfast and bed time in your daily schedule. It is important that your child is having a healthy breakfast and meal before the test. Breakfast is provided at school each day. You can give them a quick reminder to stop in the cafeteria before going to their classroom in the morning.

Sleep is also important since it will improve their mood and concentration. Make sure that you establish a bed time and try keeping it as consistent as possible. Furthermore, avoid the use of electronics before bed. Instead, encourage reading or a relaxing activity (such as coloring, drawing) to ensure a better quality of sleep.

Testing Strategies (https://www.weareteachers.com/test-taking-strategies/). Take a look at the test-taking strategies by question types and general test-taking strategies sections.

Test Anxiety - If you want to know how to help your child feel more confident and less anxious the following article is a good resource: https://childmind.org/article/tips-for-beating-test-anxiety/

Let your child know that this is an important test and help them study and get prepare for it. However do not forget to reminded them that the result of a test do not define who they are and what they are capable of. Give them a big hug and a word of encouragement before sending them to school and in the evening when they get back home from the test.

Remind them:

• That they can do hard things.
• To trust in themselves and what they have studied.
• That they are smart and awesome.
• That we are all different. (Some students may finish the test faster than others, that is okay, take your time to finish.)
• That they don't need to compare to others. (You are unique and special just as you are.)
• That you will love them no matter what.
• That they have a lot of great qualities and skills. (Name a few)
• To always keep trying. (Learning is a process that will never stop. Wrong answers or mistakes remind us that we are still learning and give us a hint of what we can improve or keep working on in the present/future.)
• Remind them to change the negative thoughts to positive thoughts. (It's to hard ▶️I can do hard things.)

MCA (Math) - April 16-18

MCA (Reading)- April 23-25