End of Grade Testing - Tips for Parents

Preparations, Expectations and Celebrating Doing Your Best

Parents, it is that time of year again! Our children are taking exams called the EOGs (End of Grade tests). In order for them to do their best, please consider the following:

  1. If you haven’t done so already, set aside a quiet place and time for your child to complete and review her homework on a daily basis.
  2. Ask him to teach you what he learned in school. If he’s having problems with certain subjects, get help from a teacher, tutor or an older student.
  3. Throughout the entire month of May, have your child go to bed early or on time. Lessen the late night activities, television and video games during the week and prioritize rest.
  4. Also during the month of May, help your child review any classwork or study review materials provided by her teacher. These can include test-prep books, notes or vocabulary specific to mathematics, language skills or science (5th grade only).
  5. Eat healthy well-balanced meals, especially for breakfast. Pop-tarts and donuts are quick and easy to serve first thing in the morning but are not nutritious. Limit sweets and soft drinks on weekdays.
  6. Manage stress and anxiety. Take a “walk and talk” to reduce stress and open lines of communication. Give your child the opportunity to talk about his expectations, fears and hopes. His job is to do his best, whether he is an ‘A’ or ‘C’ student, everyone should be proud of him when he is giving his best effort.
  7. Start the testing day in a calm way! Allow plenty of time to say a few encouraging words, let your child know how much you believe in her and take a moment to give her a hug. Arrive at school a few minutes early if possible and remember to tell your child to ‘think success.’
  8. Remind your student to take the test seriously, listen to the directions of the proctor and ask for clarifications if he doesn’t understand the instructions on the test. It is important he read the questions carefully and review each of the potential answers prior to making his selection. He should never leave an answer blank but should instead choose the best answer to the question.
  9. If your child feels anxious during the test, taking a few deep breaths might help ease her nerves. Practice ten deep breaths with her before she goes to school. Remind her to take advantage of the stretch breaks scheduled during the assessment. They can refresh her both physically and mentally.
  10. Lastly, when the test is complete, your child should feel good about a job well done. Help him celebrate by spending special one on one time together. Get out the Frisbee and go to the park, create a craft, sing songs together or make a special family meal.

(Published by . Adaptations were made.)

For more information about the North Carolina End of Grade Assessments, please visit the following websites:

(2012-2013)

(2008 - 2011)

(2008 - 2011)

(Smarter Balance Tasks)

End of Grade Testing - Tips for Parents

Preparations, Expectations and Celebrating Doing Your Best

Parents, it is that time of year again! Our children are taking exams called the EOGs (End of Grade tests). In order for them to do their best, please consider the following:

  1. If you haven’t done so already, set aside a quiet place and time for your child to complete and review her homework on a daily basis.
  2. Ask him to teach you what he learned in school. If he’s having problems with certain subjects, get help from a teacher, tutor or an older student.
  3. Throughout the entire month of May, have your child go to bed early or on time. Lessen the late night activities, television and video games during the week and prioritize rest.
  4. Also during the month of May, help your child review any classwork or study review materials provided by her teacher. These can include test-prep books, notes or vocabulary specific to mathematics, language skills or science (5th grade only).
  5. Eat healthy well-balanced meals, especially for breakfast. Pop-tarts and donuts are quick and easy to serve first thing in the morning but are not nutritious. Limit sweets and soft drinks on weekdays.
  6. Manage stress and anxiety. Take a “walk and talk” to reduce stress and open lines of communication. Give your child the opportunity to talk about his expectations, fears and hopes. His job is to do his best, whether he is an ‘A’ or ‘C’ student, everyone should be proud of him when he is giving his best effort.
  7. Start the testing day in a calm way! Allow plenty of time to say a few encouraging words, let your child know how much you believe in her and take a moment to give her a hug. Arrive at school a few minutes early if possible and remember to tell your child to ‘think success.’
  8. Remind your student to take the test seriously, listen to the directions of the proctor and ask for clarifications if he doesn’t understand the instructions on the test. It is important he read the questions carefully and review each of the potential answers prior to making his selection. He should never leave an answer blank but should instead choose the best answer to the question.
  9. If your child feels anxious during the test, taking a few deep breaths might help ease her nerves. Practice ten deep breaths with her before she goes to school. Remind her to take advantage of the stretch breaks scheduled during the assessment. They can refresh her both physically and mentally.
  10. Lastly, when the test is complete, your child should feel good about a job well done. Help him celebrate by spending special one on one time together. Get out the Frisbee and go to the park, create a craft, sing songs together or make a special family meal.

(Published by . Adaptations were made.)

For more information about the North Carolina End of Grade Assessments, please visit the following websites:

(2012-2013)

(2008 - 2011)

(2008 - 2011)

(Smarter Balance Tasks)