Showing posts with label middle school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label middle school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label middle school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label middle school. Show all posts

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


Parts of Speech Activities for Middle School and Elementary

Parts of Speech Videos, Lessons, and Activities for Middle School

Grammar, grammar, grammar. I write everyday. I have novels waiting for completion. I'll be honest; I can't remember or didn't learn most of these terms. However, I'm able to speak and write clearly. These parts of speech activities are targeted toward middle school and elementary students, but many adults will also find them educational too. Scroll down for our online lesson. Enjoy!


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Parts of Speech Activities for Middle School and Elementary






We use these grammar activities in our daily homeschool classes. We don't focus on grade levels. We all (including mom) learn the same things at the same time. Everyone works at their own pace, so we try to find fun activities that all ages will appreciate. Writing an essay? Try this free grammar checker. 


What are the parts of speech?






Now, play this Parts of Speech Game to test your knowledge.

What is a Subject and Predicate?

Take this quiz about Subjects and Predicates.

Review the Parts of Speech with Tim and Moby. You must be a BrainPOP subscriber for this one.

Did you know Yoda speaks perfect English?

What is a participle? Watch this video to learn about participles and gerunds. More about participles.





VERBALS: What is the difference between an infinitive, gerund, and participle?





Now, play this Past Participle Game to test your knowledge.

Want to be an English Major? Here is a more in depth look on gerunds, participles, and infinitives.

What are coordinate conjunctions? You use them in nearly every sentence.





What is a subordinate conjunction? It isn't as complicated as it sounds!





Be careful, this one tries to trick you, Compound Sentence Game.

Master your Proofreading Skills with this game from Quill.com

Why do you need to diagram sentences?

Diagramming Sentences (for BrainPOP subscribers only).

Online worksheet for review of types of sentences.

All done? Open a Google Document, and write a 5 paragraph story about your favorite animal. As always, tell me what you are going to tell me (first paragraph), tell me (detail each sentence from the first paragraph in the following 3 paragraphs), tell me again (summarize what you have written). While you are writing focus on the parts of speech. Include descriptive adjectives and adverbs, compound sentences, simple sentences, gerunds, infinitives, and participles. Share your paper with your homeschool educator or classroom teacher.


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How to Use Parts of Speech, Grades 6-8