Preparing for THE test Prepared By: Mrs. Mason

What is Test Anxiety? Nervousness that your test performance won’t show what you know. Physical  Bodily sensations & tensions  Butterflies in your stomach, nausea, rapid heart beat or sudden sweat Mental  Emotional & psychological  Self doubt & negative thoughts

First Tip: Study For EOG’s – know that you have been studying each day you come to school! Don’t wait until the night before your exam to cram. Study over time, a little each day.  Set up a specific schedule that works for you, idea: 15 minutes each night alternating subjects. Use study guides, notes, homework, flashcards, and past quizzes to review.

Good Health Exercise to reduce stress.  Physical activity increases oxygen to the brain.  It also helps thinking and memory. Get a good nights sleep.  Fatigue can destroy concentration. Eat a protein filled breakfast.  Energize the body and mind.

Arrive on time! You cannot start the state test late! What can you do? 1.Have your outfit picked out before bed: Dress comfortably, wear layers in case the room/day is hotter/cooler than normal. 2.Set an alarm to get up early. 3.Transportation: Get to the bus stop early/Remind your ride about your important test.

Think Positive The Secret:  If you think negative, your performance will be negative  ENCOURAGE yourself before, during and after the test talk to yourself in a positive way …mentally say: “I did well on the last test, I will do well again!” “I am very relaxed!” “I am doing a great job on this test!” “I know this stuff!”

Calm your mind & body Breathe!  Control anxiety by focusing on your breathing.  Try this: Take a deep breath: in … out … Mentally scan your body,  Become aware of your tension.  Try This: Mentally tell the muscles in your feet that they can relax. Repeat by silently telling each group of muscles to relax.

Pay attention to directions! You could miss something if you don’t listen to and read the directions. Don’t look ahead to another test section. Leave your phone, mp3, etc. at home! Keep an eye on the time. Use it!:  distributed paper or calculator as allowed.  breaks to stretch and relax your body and mind.

Tips for multiple-choice questions Read each answer choice.  The first one may appear correct, but you cannot be sure until you have looked for the best answer. Underline important key words.  Always, never, largest, youngest, etc. Eliminate obvious incorrect answers.  Make a logical selection from the remaining options. Don’t be afraid to skip a difficult question!  Clearly mark it and return later!  Pay attention to the time!!! Your test book may be clipped = you cannot return to previous questions.

Focus on YOUR test! Pace yourself, keep track of the time. Check your alignment!  Every 10 questions, make sure you bubble the correct number/answer. If you have them, use your accommodations. Don’t worry about how fast others finish!  There is a set time for a reason, time to do YOUR best! Use extra time to check over your answers.  Don’t draw all over your blank sheet and act as a distraction to your fellow classmates.

Summary Set up a study schedule that works for you. Take care of your health – mind and body. Arrive on time with a positive & calm attitude. Follow the directions & use your best judgment. Focus on your test, it is not a race, it is a chance to show what you know! Be Confident - you have been learning the test material all school year, you know this stuff!

More Information Ask an adult for help. Visit the counselor’s office or website. Resources JCS Elementary Counselors. “Test Anxiety." PowerPoint presentation for Elementary Students: Test Anxiety Quick tips: ways busy parents can help children succeed on standardized tests. Fairfax Station, VA: The Parents Institute, "Test anxiety." TeenHealth.Org (2010):. "Tips for better test taking." (1996):.