Preparing Grade Schoolers in Taking Standardized Tests

My 3rd grade son's teacher wrote a letter to the parents informing everyone that the 3rd grade's standardized test is one of the longest among the elementary students' tests. She suggested that, so that the students could have a feel of the test and experience less stress, parents could purchase or get hold of reviewers to help prepare the children.

The teachers are definitely doing their best to prepare the children for standardized tests that the district requires them to take. They have practice tests at school, and are being briefed how to go about with the test. They do sample questions that may be similar to what is expected from the actual tests. They practice how timed tests are done. In short, they are given a feel of how the test actually is.

It would not hurt if parents would do their share in making their children feel prepared and less anxious for tests like these. They know their children better, and they know the attitude and behavior of their children, even in situations like this.

Some children would get a mental block when they see a paper of endless questions in front of them. There are those who would feel stressed out already, knowing that the test is supposed to be finished at a certain time. Others would feel anxious on the day of testing, even before the test itself starts. Therefore, it would really do them good to properly brief them and to help them feel ready for the test.

The reviewer that my son's teacher recommended is a good material that could help a child with test-taking strategies and techniques. The book has a set of very good questions in different subjects that include reading, language arts, writing, basic skills, math, social studies and science. A reviewer like this would allow a child to take a quick peek of how the testing would go about, and what he/she is expected to know.