How To Prepare Your Child For A Standardized Test

So, It's Time for a Standardized Test...

Standardized tests are a common strategy applied to gauge a student’s learning capability and the school’s or teacher’s performance. There is a common misconception about standardized tests among parents that these tests are designed to evaluate school performance and don’t necessarily judge students' abilities. 

However, standardized tests are an important part of a student's academic life. In some cases, standardized tests are essential for grade promotion, graduation, or even securing a driving license. As a parent, it is your duty to prepare your children for this test, so they can deliver their best.

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How To Prepare Your Child For A Standardized Testing: Relaxing the day before is always a good idea!

What Is a Standardized Test?

A standardized test is a testing system that is based on a standard approach. In standardized tests, the question is the same for everyone, the duration of the test is the same for everyone, and even the evaluation process of answers remains the same for every student. 

Independent school entrance examination (ISSE), California achievement test (CAT), Secondary School Admission Test  (SSAT), Preliminary scholastic aptitude test (PSAT), and General Educational Development test (GED) are some commonly-known standardized tests.

Why Standardized Tests Are Used?

A standardized test is a tool applied to evaluate the effectiveness of institutional practice.  It provides a uniform platform to measure the performance of schools and students. A standardized test can gather information about the state education system, a school program, or the performance of a single student. It helps to determine a student's strengths or weaknesses and to certify their ability.

Different Methods of Standardized Test

Standardized tests are designed to evaluate the aptitude of a student. Unlike the regular tests that measure the subject-specific knowledge, the standardized test evaluates creativity, verbal ability, abstract reasoning, and mechanical ability. There are different methods of standardized methods. The most common methods adopted by schools are true or false questions, multiple-choice questions, and essay questions.

What Should Your Child Bring to a Standardized Test?

There are different rules for different tests. If students are allowed a calculator, you should check whether the model is approved by the authority. If your calculator is not approved then you should check out a smart site with good reviews for buying another model of calculator. Pen, Pencils, watch, water, and other essentials should be with your child while attending a standardized test.

How Do You Prepare Your Child For Standardized Tests?

Parents can play an important role in preparing a child for a standardized test. There are a number of ways that you can take an active role in your child’s preparation for a test. Let’s read on to know more about them.

Know About the Test

Usually, teachers notify parents before a standardized test. You should know the purpose of the test and whether the result will affect your child or the school. Also, make sure you know the exact schedule of the test and whether you need to prepare your child for the test.

Communicate With Your Child

Communicate with your child about the test. Try to find out if he/she is prepared for it. If there is any area or subject that they are less than confident about, try to solve the issues with them. If necessary, go through the previous mistakes and review them. Practicing more will boost their confidence.

Build a Positive Mindset

A positive mindset can make a huge difference in test performance. As a parent, you should try to build up your child’s confidence. Try to convey the message that you are 100% confident about them. No matter how the result is, you would be glad if they try their best.

Go Through the Test Instructions

Review the test instructions with your child. Make clear how much time will be provided and how many questions are to be answered. Try to convey the importance of that particular test to your kid; it will instill a ‘can do’ attitude within them. Tell them they should try to answer all the questions, even if they are unsure about the answer, as it will build their confidence and critical thinking skills.

Follow a Healthy Routine

A good night's sleep can have a huge impact on test performance. Try to get your child to bed early so that she can be relaxed on the test day. Most of the time, students' bad performance on a test can be tied back to the reason they lacked a good sleep the night before. Also, follow healthy eating habits that will ensure your child’s physical well being.

Build a Relaxing Atmosphere on Test Day

On the test day, stay cheerful and relaxed. Make some nutritious breakfast that will provide stamina throughout the test. Avoid foods that can cause any digestive issues to your child. Overall, follow a regular routine that your child follows for any regular test. Give some words of encouragement to them, so they feel confident.

Debrief After the Test

After the test, go through the parts that were tough for your child. Talk to your child about how they feel about the test. Try to get an insight into how they dealt with the problems they faced. It will help them process her own strategies and do better the next time.

How to Deal With Pre Test Anxiety

Some students develop anxiety over facing a test. Needless to say, extreme anxiety should be treated so that it can't have any negative effect on the test. If your children feel anxious about the test, then you have to put things in perspective for them. Tell them no matter how they perform, you will be proud of them just for braving the test.

Melt Anxiety Card Deck for Kids

On a final note, while standardized tests are not high stake tests, they can have an impact on your child’s studies. So prepare for the tests on a regular basis by checking your child's homework and their study progress. Be an active part of their academic life, so she feels encouraged. Your involvement in their studies can make a big difference to both their academic performance and personal growth.

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What is a Standardized Test? How do you Prepare your Child?

5 Suреr Quаlitiеѕ Mаth Tеасhеrѕ Shоuld Have

Considering Becoming a Math Teacher?

Hey homeschoolers, what will you become? Deciding you want to teach is an easy decision, but what should you teach? What are your best qualities? What is your favorite subject? If you're considering become a math teacher, consider these qualities that every math teacher should have.

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Studеntѕ аrе ѕеriоuѕlу influenced bу thе ԛuаlitу оf thеir tеасhеrѕ. Nоt оnlу dо thеу intеrасt with tеасhеrѕ еvеrу dау in thе сlаѕѕrооm, but thе ԛuаlitу оf thаt intеrасtiоn mаttеrѕ fоr ѕtudеntѕ’ futures. It hаѕ bееn оbѕеrvеd thаt thе diffеrеnсе bеtwееn a gооd аnd a bаd tеасhеr саn bе a full lеvеl оf ѕtudеnt асhiеvеmеnt in a ѕinglе ѕсhооl уеаr.

Hоwеvеr, оnе thing thаt rеmаinѕ unchanged iѕ thаt all gооd math tеасhеrѕ hаvе сеrtаin ѕuреr ԛuаlitiеѕ thаt diѕtinguiѕh thеm frоm оthеr teachers. Thеѕе ѕuреr ԛuаlitiеѕ mаkе thеse teachers рrоduсе еxсеllеnt rеѕultѕ nоt only fоr thеir ѕtudеntѕ but аlѕо fоr thеmѕеlvеѕ. Thе fоllоwing are thе fivе ѕuреr ԛuаlitiеѕ a gооd math tеасhеr ѕhоuld hаvе.

5 Super Qualities of a Good Math Teacher

• Exсеllеnt Knоwlеdgе Of Mаthеmаtiсѕ 

A gооd math tеасhеr is оnе with аn еxtеnѕivе undеrѕtаnding of mathematics. Hаving undеrgоnе a thоrоugh trаining рrосеѕѕ in a rесоgnizеd inѕtitutiоn of higher learning whеrе thеу асԛuirе thе knоwlеdgе аnd ѕkillѕ rеԛuirеd tо tеасh ѕtudеntѕ еffесtivеlу, which inсludеѕ knоwlеdgе оf аrithmеtiс, gеоmеtrу, аlgеbrа, ѕtаtiѕtiсѕ аnd саlсuluѕ. Thе еxсеllеnt knоwlеdgе they get from thеѕе inѕtitutiоnѕ givеѕ thеm thе соnfidеnсе tо еxрlаin сlеаrlу аll thе mаthеmаtiсаl соnсерtѕ tо their ѕtudеntѕ аnd ѕоlvе еԛuаtiоnѕ еаѕilу. Gооd math tеасhеrѕ dо nоt соnѕult аnѕwеrѕ аt thе bасk оf thе tеасhеr’ѕ guidе bооklеt. Thеу hаvе аll thе solutions аt their fingеrtiрѕ аnd саn hеlр ѕtudеntѕ ѕоlvе рrоblеmѕ immеdiаtеlу.

Bоth рrоgrеѕѕivе аnd соnѕеrvаtivе еduсаtоrѕ ѕреаk about thе imроrtаnсе оf undеrѕtаnding thе соntеnt. Thеу emphasize the imроrtаnсе оf knоwing the ѕubjесt уоu teach. Evеrуоnе аgrееѕ that gооd teachers роѕѕеѕѕ a ѕоlid соmmаnd of соntеnt, whеthеr thеir еxреrtiѕе liеѕ in thе knowledge оf rеаding in thе еаrlу еlеmеntаrу grаdеѕ оr a ѕеriоuѕ соmmаnd оf mathematics аt thе high ѕсhооl lеvеl.

• Diffеrеnt Teaching Strаtеgiеѕ 

Studеntѕ lеаrn in divеrѕе mаnnеrѕ, аnd a gооd mаth tеасhеr knоwѕ thаt. A gооd math tеасhеr kеерѕ uр with the bеѕt рrасtiсеѕ in mаth еduсаtiоn and rеgulаrlу inсоrроrаtеѕ thеm intо his inѕtruсtiоn tо hеlр аll оf his ѕtudеntѕ learn. Hе аlѕо undеrѕtаndѕ thеrе mау bе multiрlе wауѕ tо ѕоlvе рrоblеmѕ аnd uses thоѕе аltеrnаtе ѕtrаtеgiеѕ tо hеlр struggling ѕtudеntѕ grаѕр difficult соnсерtѕ. Hiѕ lеѕѕоn рlаnѕ еngаgе ѕtudеntѕ аnd hеlр thеm fееl соnfidеnt in thеir mathematical аbilitiеѕ.

A gооd math tеасhеr uѕеѕ a vаriеtу оf tеасhing strategies that they fееl comfortable with; within thе ѕаmе ѕсhооl, уоu'll find diffеrеnt tеасhеrѕ gеtting еxсеllеnt rеѕultѕ uѕing ѕuсh ѕtrаtеgiеѕ such аѕ mini-lectures, аnd intеrасtivе lесturеѕ, соореrаtivе grоuрѕ, рrоblеm-bаѕеd learning, аnd multiрlе intеlligеnсеѕ аррrоасh. Nо ѕinglе tеасhing ѕtrаtеgу оr method wоrkѕ bеѕt fоr еvеrу tеасhеr with every ѕtudеnt.

We knоw, hоwеvеr, thаt rеѕеаrсh аnd еxреriеnсе ѕtrоnglу ѕuрроrt ѕоmе tеасhing ѕtrаtеgiеѕ оvеr others. Gооd math tеасhеrѕ ѕеlесt frоm thе ѕtrаtеgiеѕ thаt аrе wеll rеѕеаrсhеd аnd widely рrасticеd аt thеir grаdе lеvеl оr within thеir ѕubjесt аrеа аnd bесоmе аn еxреrt in thоѕе thаt fit thеir style аnd thе requirements оf thеir ѕtudеntѕ аt thаt time.

• Cоnѕtаntlу Learning Nеw Tесhniԛuеѕ 

Gооd math tеасhеrs knоw thаt thеу аrе nоt реrfесt. Thаt iѕ why thеу rеgulаrlу rеаd nеw mаtеriаlѕ, аttеnd wоrkѕhорѕ tо uрdаtе thеir knоwlеdgе bаѕе. Thеу аlѕо еnrоll fоr аdditiоnаl соurѕеѕ in thеir areas оf ѕресiаlitу tо bеttеr thеmѕеlvеѕ аnd gаin mоrе confidence in thе сlаѕѕrооm. Onсе a gооd tеасhеr lеаrnѕ аbоut a nеw mаthеmаtiсаl соnсерt, hе lеtѕ all thе ѕtudеntѕ knоw аbоut it, lеаding tо еffесtivе lеаrning аnd bеttеr grades.

• Gооd Mоtivаtоr 

Gооd math tеасhеrs knоw thаt students hаvе diffеrеnt intеrеѕtѕ. Thеrеfоrе, thеу соmе uр with рrоgrаmѕ thаt idеntifу with thе ѕtudеntѕ’ ѕоurсе оf mоtivаtiоn. Fоr еxаmрlе, thеу mау mоtivаtе ѕtudеntѕ whо want tо bесоmе ассоuntаntѕ bу giving thеm mаthеmаtiсаl рrоblеmѕ rеlаtеd tо thеir аmbitiоnѕ. Thе ѕаmе аррliеѕ tо thоѕе whо wаnt tо bесоmе ѕсiеntiѕtѕ, еnginееrѕ, dосtоrѕ, еtс. Thеу also рrеvеnt thе ѕtudеntѕ frоm lоѕing intеrеѕt bу tаlking tо thеm оn a rеgulаr bаѕiѕ to hеlр thеm асԛuirе thе ѕkillѕ аррliсаblе in thе рrоfеѕѕiоn for which they аrе аѕрiring.

• Gооd Undеrѕtаnding Nаturе 

Pеrѕоnаlitу characteristics rеlаtеd tо bеing a соmраѕѕiоnаtе person аnd hаving a ѕеnѕitivitу tо ѕtudеnt diffеrеnсеѕ, раrtiсulаrlу with lеаrnеrѕ, iѕ аnоthеr rероrtеd ѕuреr ԛuаlitу оf smiletutor.sg mаthѕ tеасhеrs.

Undеrѕtаnding thе nаturе оf ѕtudеnt iѕ a broad саtеgоrу thаt inсоrроrаtеѕ knоwlеdgе оf thе соgnitivе, ѕосiаl аnd еmоtiоnаl dеvеlорmеnt оf ѕtudеntѕ. It inсludеѕ аn understanding оf hоw ѕtudеntѕ lеаrn аt a givеn dеvеlорmеntаl lеvеl, hоw lеаrning in a ѕресifiс ѕubjесt аrеа tурiсаllу рrоgrеѕѕеѕ like lеаrning рrоgrеѕѕiоnѕ оr trаjесtоriеѕ, аwаrеnеѕѕ thаt ѕtudеntѕ hаvе individuаl аbilitiеѕ аnd nееdѕ, аnd аn undеrѕtаnding thаt tеасhing ѕhоuld bе done tо mееt еасh ѕtudеnt’ѕ needs.

So, what do you think, homeschoolers? Are you ready to pursue a career as a math teacher?

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CLEP Exams List for Homeschoolers

Study for CLEP Exams Online

Have you heard of CLEP? CLEP is an acronym for the College Level Examination Program. Students can take CLEP tests to earn college credit and test out of certain subjects. Studying for CLEP Exams is a great way to save money on college expenses. But before you take the tests, you'll want to be sure that you know the material. A great way to prep for CLEP is to find a CLEP Exams list for homeschoolers, high school, or any one wanting to do continued studying in college. Click the following link for more information about their online homeschool program.

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Study.com is an education company dedicated to making education accessible and helping students lower the cost of their higher education. They've just launched a bunch of comprehensive credit-by-exam prep products that can help high school homeschoolers earn college credit.

What Are CLEP Exams?

CLEP exams measure a person's knowledge of college-level material for college level subjects. These exams can benefit continuing education students, military personnel and college students.


CLEP exams are taken through a college or at a local testing center. Exams take between 90 to 120 minutes to complete and each one is around $85. The test is free for men and women serving in the military.

CLEP and DSST exams are prior knowledge assessments that allow students to earn real college credit just by passing a test. Study.com educational resources include comprehensive study guides and practice tests to help students prepare for these exams, earn college credit, and save money on their education. Not only is this a great way to prep for the CLEP and DSST exams, it's also a good educational resource for homeschool education. 

We were given a 90-day free trial of Study.com. I took some time to peruse the resources. The site is very easy to navigate. I like how all of the CLEP study guides are organized with a listing of the most popular exams up front. After you do a study guide, you can take a practice exam. 

There are exams for both CLEP and DSST. In case you don't know, DSST or the DANTES Subject Standardized Test, is  a test to help the U.S. Military earn college credit outside of a traditional college setting. DSST scores are accepted at over 1900 institutions across the United States and are a great way to accelerate progress on a degree, prepare for a post-military career, or transfer real life experience into more affordable university credit.

The CLEP exams list is extensive, offering study guides in many areas that contain comprehensive CLEP curriculum for your exam. The lessons are short and engaging and break down the written material into short, 8-minute videos. My twelve year old homeschooler, started with a psychology study guide session. She won't be taking the CLEP exams any time soon, however, she enjoyed the lesson and wants to continue to do all of the study guides as a part of her daily homeschool routine. I'm on board for that! She thought the videos were easy to comprehend and even mentioned that she didn't get bored! Score for Study.com.

You might also be interested in ECE programs for continued education.

On the Study.com site, you'll also fine quiz assessments that help students find any learning gaps that they may still need to prep for before taking the CLEP exams. Another thing we noticed is the study guides allow users to go back and review the material. Some other programs we try don't allow you to rewatch videos, so this is nice bonus. If you're still not doing well on the assessment, you can take advantage of their Instant Answers feature and get a quick reply from a subject matter expert.

We truly enjoyed everything Study.com had to offer and recommend that you hop over and check them out before you sign up for the CLEP exams.


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Educational Scholarships for Homeschoolers

College Scholarships for Homeschool

How do homeschoolers get a proper undergraduate education? Wondering how to pay for college? As long as the parent/learningcoach/teacher/caregiver/ keeps track of their student's classes and attendance with a transcript, college applications are no different for a homeschooler than for a public school student. In fact, the word on the street is that many universities seek out homeschooled students because of their enrichment activities, volunteerism, and community service. But, how do homeschoolers pay for college? Of course, a job is a great way to start, but students can supplement their college tuition with an educational scholarship. Are there specific educational scholarships for homeschoolers? Sure, homeschoolers can apply for most college scholarships.

Educational Scholarships for Homeschoolers.

Be sure to check the entrance requirements to see if the school requires SAT or ACT scores. Many students score better on the ACT. Perhaps, this is because the ACT allows the use of a calculator for all math questions. The higher the score, the more likely you will win a scholarship. Here's an article that does a great job of explaining the differences between the ACT and the SAT and why one might be better for your homeschooler than the other. The SAT gives diagrams with math formulas, whereas, the ACT expects these formulas to be set to memory. However, this gift of formulas doesn't mean the overall score will be higher on the SAT. Do your research. Despite the cost, it is often a good idea to take the test more than once to improve the score. Sure, it's a hassle, but the second time around, the student knows what to expect, has less nerves, and will likely improve their score. Even a few points can improve chances for an educational scholarship for your homeschooler.

So, the schooling is done. The tests are taken. How do homeschoolers apply for scholarships for their education? Are homeschoolers eligible for scholarships? Of course, when reviewing college scholarship opportunities be aware of the applicant requirements. Also, think about your homeschooler's background, even consider their quirks and hobbies. While most educational scholarships are athletic, academic, or need based. there are many scholarships with completely random requirements. Write an essay about motivation to keep goals for the Dr. Summit Shah scholarship. Skilled in duck calling? Have a strange name? Yes, there's a scholarship for that. Check out these unusual scholarships for college.

Scholarships for College

Federal Financial Aid is available for those in need. Always, fill out your FAFSA first. Federal aid is available for colleges and technical career schools. After that's done, it's time to think outside the box. Start searching for the perfect scholarships for your child's personality.

Many homeschoolers love to teach themselves music. Got a ukulele player? Yep, there's a scholarship for ukulele.

Want to run a grocery store? Then, you'll want to apply for an Asparagus Scholarship for Grocer Students.

Like to sculpt? Apply for an Ice Sculpting Scholarship.

Chicken keeper? Poultry Scholarship.

On a bowling team? Bowling Scholarship.


You get the idea. The educational scholarship options for homeschoolers and public school students are endless. Do the research early and score as many scholarship opportunities as possible for you secondary education goals. If you're lucky, you'll get more than one scholarship, so apply for as many as possible.

Concerned you aren't preparing your child with the proper homeschool high school education? There are many online homeschool high school options to help you keep track of attendance, transcripts, and the courses necessary for college. Here's a list of our favorites: Time4Learning High School, Acellus, (they also have a less expensive app option for high school) and Connections Academy (free online public school.)

Kalu Yala Problems

Kalu Yala Problems: School in the Rainforest?

Have you ever considered working in the Rainforest? You can study abroad a Kalu Yala. Learn to build a sustainable village in the jungle. Kalu Yala is on a mission to build and redesign places to be more socially and environmentally responsible. What a great opportunity to study abroad and learn in the trenches! Seems like the perfect gap year opportunity. You might have heard there are problems in Kalu Yala. Let's address those. #kaluyalaproblems #ad

This is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own.

So, Kalu Yala is building a sustainable town in a jungle. That's not a 5-star hotel. It's not even a comfortable dorm room, but who would expect the luxuries of home while building a town in a jungle? If you're expecting the conveniences found at a university, Kalu Yala isn't for you.

What are some Kalu Yala problems? It's a dorm, without walls. Ranchos are traditional open-air structures. It's in the jungle. Expect to sleep on hammocks, and if your're lucky, air mattresses. Expect bugs. Expect to smell your roommates. Expect their snoring to keep you awake. Expect to cherish these memories, and to miss your roommates when it's time to go home. And coming soon, as of Fall 2017, students will be moved to enlarged “Granchos” to provide for more space.

Another Kalu Yala problem, you might think by wanting to help build a town in a jungle, that that desire would be enough. Though the offer is commendable, this is a study abroad program. You're attending school in the jungle. The things you'll learn are invaluable. So, like any study abroad program, there's a fee for that. College tuition, you know. Kalu Yala isn't free. Tuition covers instruction, (you're learning to build a town in a jungle) room, (those fabulous hammocks) and board, (all the structures on the property) plus three meals per day. 

Why, you ask? Kalu Yala is on a mission to make places more socially and environmentally responsible. At stake, how can real estate be socially and environmentally responsible? It's a testing ground. It’s starting in a lush mountain valley in the Panama rainforest.

Where, you ask? Kalu Yala is a 375-acre plot of jungle valley located 50 minutes from Panama City, Panama. 80% of the land is reserved for conservation. The remaining 20% of acreaage is poised for low-impact development including an academic institute, residential housing, and commercial facilities.

Off the grid? Town square boasts a solar powered charging station, retail markets, recreation areas, ranchos, and classrooms. What a great educational experience for the adventurous. So ,what do you think? Are you up for it?  

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Learning Quote: Willingness is a Choice

Willingness is a Choice Quote

"The capacity to learn is a gift. The ability to learn is a skill. The willingness to learn is a choice." What a great quote about learning. Make the right choice and be open to learning and it will change your life! Not everyone is given the gift of a capacity to learn, don't waste it. This is an educational quote to share on Facebook or in the classroom. Enjoy!

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Learning quote to share.

Featured U.K. Preschool and Craft Blogger: Jo from Le Baby Bakery Dino Activity

Preschool Dinosaur Activity Printable 

Our featured blog is Le Baby Bakery. Jo is a U.K. preschool and craft blogger who blogs about life and crafts with two boisterous boys. She also makes baby and toddler clothes and accessories which she sells through her Facebook page. Enjoy!

The clothes are adorable! If you're in the U.K., hop over and take a look. Handmade kid's clothes make great birthday gifts! 

I met Jo through Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt on Pinterest. She recently won with the most repins. Jo does lots of preschool activities with her boys. 

I love this preschool dinosaur activity. She printed a Letter "D" dino worksheet, and then attached magnets to colorful pom-poms, placed the sheet on a metal tray, and let the fun begin. 

Letter "D" dinosaur theme lesson with 
magnetic pom-poms and tray from Le Baby Bakery.

Check out more fun ideas for preschoolers at Le Baby Bakery. 



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