Help kids succeed in taking PSSA tests
Westfall - Every Pennsylvania student in grades 3, 5, 8, and 11 will be taking the PSSA tests next week, beginning on March 12. Although parents want their children to do well, they often feel powerless to help when it comes to standardized tests. In fact, there are some very important steps parents can take to ensure that their children are able to put forth their best effort on test days. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your child will be ready to do his best on the day of the test: Make sure your child is well-rested the day of a test by insisting on a reasonable bedtime the night before. The average school-aged child needs ten hours of sleep a night. By setting a reasonable bedtime, your child will get a good night’s sleep and feel rested in the morning. Keep in mind, too, that Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. on March 11. We will be turning the clocks ahead one hour, thereby losing an hour of sleep. Make sure your child has a nutritious breakfast before coming to school. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It literally “breaks” the night’s “fast.” Breakfast is especially important for children and adolescents. According to the American Dietetic Association, children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to have better concentration, problem-solving skills, and eye-hand coordination. A healthy breakfast should consist of a variety of foods, for example, whole grains, low-fat protein or dairy sources, and fruit. Make sure your morning goes smoothly by getting organized the night before. Have your child decide what he wants to wear to school the night before. Remind him to pack his bookbag and find his sneakers before he goes to bed. A frantic morning will set the tone for the day. Getting organized before bedtime the night before helps to reduce the hassles that create a stressful morning for everyone. Encourage your child to wear comfortable clothing on test taking days. Clothing that is tight, uncomfortable, or itchy will prevent your child from keeping his focus where it belongson the test. Send your child off to school with hugs, kisses, and encouragement. Tell your child to do his best and take his time on each test. Tell him that you believe in him, are proud of him, and that you are confident he will succeed. By doing these things, you will go a long way toward ensuring your child has all the tools necessary to be a successful test-taker. Check out these helpful websites: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/childrensleep.htm http://www.personalmd.com/news/breakfast_030800.shtml http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/NU00197