You can help your child prepare for school tests in ways that can help him or her perform better and be prepared for many of life’s experiences. These tips include much more than quizzing your child on the test subject.

Place yourself in your child’s shoes, or at least in their position. Remember when you had a big test and how you felt? If you cannot remember back that far, like many of us, think about the last time you took a driver’s test, face a bookkeeping or tax audit, or had to appear in court. The anxiety can often be overwhelming and even disturb your sleep the night before.

Here is how you can help:

1) Help your child have a relaxing evening the day before the test.
2) Make sure they get a good night’s sleep two days before the test as well as the night before. Making sure the pupil is rested two nights before test day will help in case this child does not sleep well the night before.
The time of day the testing takes place is important in relation to food intake.
3) A light breakfast that includes protein is considered wise.
4) If an afternoon test ensure your child will have a lunch with a small amount of protein and not too heavy on carbohydrates and sugars.
College cramming has been shown to help test score for students who have been studying regularly.
5) Most people cannot learn a new subject the day before a test so helping your child study some each day and keep up with homework is step one.
6) Creating a review sheet of the main points of the test material and going over that the evening before and if possible once in the morning the day of the test can be beneficial.
Practice with your child in different ways.
7) Read subject material with your child.
Take any practice test included in text books.
9) Create practice tests with multiple choice, true or false, problem solving, and essay questions as appropriate. You can model these from the textbooks or previous tests from the same class.
10) Spend one on one time practicing and involve other family members when possible.

by David McLeod

Owner School-Supply-List.com and Elementary School Teacher

Though many children today spend their summers (or at least a portion of the time) in some type of school-age childcare program, starting a new school year is still difficult. The following tips can be applied to either situation in order to make the transition a little bit easier.

1. One or two weeks before the start of school, start getting back on schedule. Even if you have been working all summer, chances are, schedules have been a bit more relaxed. If necessary, start waking children up earlier in order to make the earlier bedtime easier.

2. Change meal times at home to reflect the school meal schedule. Often, summers mean staying up later and sleeping in longer, making meal times a bit later. Skip late afternoon snacks; instead, serve dinner a little earlier.

3. Remind your child of the fun times they had at school last year, and how good seeing old friends will be.

4. Most schools send out information before the beginning of school; part of your job as a parent is to pay attention to things such as enrollment deadlines, and back-to-school activities.

5. If your child’s school does not have a “meet the teacher” night (though most do) set up a time when you can come and meet him/her; you should tour the school with your child as well.

6. Purchase school supplies as early as possible. The longer you wait to do this, the higher the chance that some supplies will be sold out.

7. Help your child pack their backpack a night or two before school starts. Doing so adds a sense of security, which helps the adjustment process.

8. Encourage your child to pick out something cute and comfortable to wear. Learning is difficult when clothes are uncomfortable.

9. Empty your schedule as much as possible in order to be able to focus on this sometimes difficult time of year.

10. Remember that “big kids” need support and reassurance just as much as “little kids.”

Have your child make a list of what they enjoyed during the vacation. This will help them appreciate the family time, reflect, and separate the summer from the school year.

by David McLeod

Owner School-Supply-List.com and Elementary School Teacher

David has been teaching elementary school in Central Texas for over 7 years and has over 15 years of experience in online education related websites and blogs.

The start of any school year brings mixed emotions for many children. Fear and apprehension are common, as well as excitement and anticipation. Parents-this article is for your child. Although you are welcome to read on, please share this information with them.

1. Clean your room: Trying to get dressed and ready for your first day of a new school year is difficult if your room looks like a tornado came through.

2. Get organized: After that cleaning, organize your space. If you will be doing homework in your room, be sure you have a well-lit and organized place to work.

3. Go shopping: Talk to your parents about some new clothes, and ask about the family budget so you can plan what to buy.

4. Get school supplies: Don’t forget to get the school supply list; the sooner you take care of this, the better.

5. Meet you teacher: Even if you have seen the teacher around the school, you probably haven’t had much interaction with him/her. Make an effort to go to the school and visit with them.

6. Know your surroundings: After meeting your teacher, take a tour of the school. Many times, teachers change rooms, sometimes even grades. This is good information to know beforehand.

7. Get your clothes ready: The night before or earlier if you want, lay out the clothes you want to wear. Make sure everything is clean and that you have everything you need. Doing this the night before keeps you from having to rush around trying to find something to wear.

8. Make your lunch or have lunch money ready the night before: If you are taking your lunch on the first day, try to put things together the night before. This saves time and prevents some of the morning chaos.

9. Pack your backpack: Just like picking out clothes and making lunches the night before, packing your backpack saves time and helps you to feel more “put together.”

10. Ask for help: Your parents can be a valuable source of help and support if you are nervous about going back to school.

Now a note for parents: If this is your child’s first year of school or entering one of the early primary grades, or a new school, don’t let your apprehension show through. Children often gauge their own stress based on how they see adults reacting to situations. Your calm and assured attitude will help them keep their own anxiety in check.

by David McLeod

Owner School-Supply-List.com and Elementary School Teacher

David has been teaching elementary school in Central Texas for over 7 years and has over 15 years of experience in online education related websites and blogs.