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Successful Study Strategies

  1. Seventh and eighth grade students have been given a student planner.
    1. Write in assignments or what was done in class each day.
    2. When an assignment is completed, check it off in the planner.
    3. Take the assignment book and necessary materials home each day.
    4. Parents should be a partner and check student planner and homework completion each night.
  2. Set aside a specific time to do homework.
  3. Study in a quiet, well-lit room.
  4. Plan for study breaks.
  5. Organize materials and completed assignments to be returned the next day.
  6. Get plenty of sleep and eat a good breakfast.


Successful Test Taking Strategies


The Night Before The Test

  1. Make sure your child doesn't go to bed angry.
  2. Plan ahead to stay away from problems before the test. For example, it would help to avoid talking about a child's overuse of the phone or avoidance of chores. Your child could stay upset about the argument and not do as well on the test.
  3. Keep the rules of the house. Stopping normal discipline or upsetting the usual routine of the home may confuse your child. This may affect how well your child can perform the next day.
  4. Consider talking about the test to reassure and encourage your child. At the same time, don't dwell on the subject, as you may cause your child to worry unecessarily.
  5. Let your child know that you know tests can be hard, but that taking them provides a chance to show how well he or she can do. The test will help the teacher understand what your child needs to learn.
  6. Be encouraging. If you say, "You'll probably blow this one," your child will expect failure.
  7. Consider playing an educational game like Scrabble or 20 Questions to help a child get into the testing spirit.



The Morning Of The Test

  1. Have your child get up early enough to avoid hurrying. Being on time for school is important.
  2. Have your child eat a good breakfast--but not a heavy one. Don't force a child to eat, though. If he or she is nervous, too much food can cause illness.
  3. Have your child dress in something he or she likes, that others like, and that is familiar. Being comfortable is important. New clothes or new shoes that pinch will be distracting.
  4. Don't appear unconcerned about the testing. While your child needn't be afraid of tests, he or she needs to understand the importance of testing.
  5. Be positive when you send your child to school. Let the child know that you understand that tests can be hard, but that they are not designed to "punish" him or her. Tests are very much for showing what your child needs to know as well as what he or she already knows.



After The Test

  1. Reward your child for trying hard on the test. You might treat him or her to a special dinner, or allow an extra half hour of TV. Punishment for doing poorly will only hurt, because the test itself was punishing enough if he or she had a hard time.
  2. Talk with your child about what was learned from the test. What would he or she do differently if the test could be taken over?
  3. Talk with your child about what can be done between now and the next time a test is given, such as trying harder with homework or listening more closely in class.
  4. When you get the test results for your child, don't compare his or her performance with that of your friend's or neighbor's children. Saying something like, "Why aren't you as smart as Billy next door?" can only hurt.
  5. Please don't hesitate to discuss with the teacher any questions that you or your child have about testing.
  6. Think about how you can help your child better next time! Keep these "tips" handy for future use!