By Michael Breault
As
an elementary student, I feared the classroom test. My stomach would get upset, I would get a headache and my mind
had difficulty focusing on the task at hand.
I was convinced that every test question was a trick, designed to test
my stamina rather than my knowledge.
Some
of today’s elementary students may experience some anxiety around MCAS testing
time. Our teachers will coach them in
the intricacies of the test structure and parents can reassure their child that
they are prepared and should just make their best effort.
Some
fundamental preparation should include a good night’s sleep, a substantial
breakfast and avoiding the temptation to “over-talk” the testing situation,
limiting the conversation to brief positive statements, such as “I know you
will try your best” or “You are prepared for this.”
If your child tends to be anxious, some self-talk techniques would be helpful, ie. “I am well prepared” or “I’ll do the best I can.” If he/she gets stuck, an effective procedure might be to put the pencil down, take a deep breath, complete some positive self-talk and start again.
I
will be reinforcing these positive approaches during a kick-off school
breakfast on Monday, March 24th for all grades. All students will be treated to a full
breakfast as we begin our testing week.
We
will all do our best.