Milestones testing will take place from April 16th-30th. Here are some helpful tips about what we can do at home to help our children do their best!
HOW CAN PARENTS HELP TO DECREASE TESTING ANXIETY?
üDevelop a Mindset for Success – a positive attitude toward testing does make a difference! Share your vote of confidence in your child’s ability to do well. Make the testing window fun and present it as a “Celebration of Learning”
üEnsure self-care routines –make sure that your child is sleeping well and eating well, and exercising regularly. Maintain your normal schedule and routine, as much as possible.
üReinforce strategies to diminish negative self-statements/self-talk-keep the lines of communication open and promote conversations about testing in a low-stress way. You may want to rehearse scenarios that your child expresses may be of concern, and coach your child to use relaxation strategies such as “belly breathing” and muscle relaxation.
üTake advantage of the decreased homework and absence of tests/projects to plan afternoon family time (exercise, play, etc.)
Final thoughts-Our children’s level of testing anxiety often mirrors the level of anxiety demonstrated by the adults around them. Ultimately, we are seeking to gain information about how to best serve our children in building the skills to become successful, life-long learners – not just exemplary test takers.
HOW CAN PARENTS HELP TO DECREASE TESTING ANXIETY?
üDevelop a Mindset for Success – a positive attitude toward testing does make a difference! Share your vote of confidence in your child’s ability to do well. Make the testing window fun and present it as a “Celebration of Learning”
üEnsure self-care routines –make sure that your child is sleeping well and eating well, and exercising regularly. Maintain your normal schedule and routine, as much as possible.
üReinforce strategies to diminish negative self-statements/self-talk-keep the lines of communication open and promote conversations about testing in a low-stress way. You may want to rehearse scenarios that your child expresses may be of concern, and coach your child to use relaxation strategies such as “belly breathing” and muscle relaxation.
üTake advantage of the decreased homework and absence of tests/projects to plan afternoon family time (exercise, play, etc.)
Final thoughts-Our children’s level of testing anxiety often mirrors the level of anxiety demonstrated by the adults around them. Ultimately, we are seeking to gain information about how to best serve our children in building the skills to become successful, life-long learners – not just exemplary test takers.