Study/Homework Tips
1. Have a positive attitude toward testing, even if you feel tests are not valid tools for judging abilities. Accept the fact that you will have to be tested frequently.
2. Strive for good attendance. Students who miss a lot of school usually do not perform well on exams. 3. Don't get behind in your homework assignments. 4. Practice good note-taking by being a good listener. Pay attention in class. 5. Keep a calendar to help you remember the dates of upcoming tests. Write down the dates in your planner. 6. Space out your studying. For instance, if you always have a spelling test on Friday, spend a few minutes every night going over the words. 7. Secure a good studying place where it is quiet. 8. When the teacher announces an upcoming exam, ask the teacher what materials you will need to take home to study (such as class notes and study guides). 9. Consider making flash cards or use index cards to write down the most important study notes. Carry them with you so you can glance at them while riding the bus or waiting in the doctor's office. 10. Get at least seven or eight hours of sleep and eat a healthy diet. Too much caffeine and sugar can increase your nervousness. Eat more fruits and vegetables and get plenty of exercise. 11. Set your alarm early on test day so you will have time for a good breakfast and a few extra minutes to review notes. 12. If your test is later in the day, eat a nutritious snack/lunch. 13. Make sure you have your supplies (pencil, eraser, etc.) 14. If you don't understand the teacher's directions, ask the teacher to explain them again. 15. Take a deep breath, and say some positive words (such as, "I know I can do this. I know the information and I'll be fine. I will try my best.") 16. Praise yourself for your effort. 17. When you get your test back, look it over closely. Correct your mistakes. Ask yourself "How can I improve the next time?" Ask your teacher for some suggestions too. |
Tips for Student Anxiety
1. Make sure the child is eating a healthy diet. Too much caffeine and sugar can increase a child's nervousness. Encourage eating more fruits and vegetables and less fatty foods.
2. Getting regular exercise helps reduce stress. At least three times a week the child needs to run, ride a bike, swim, hike, or be actively involved in some other vigorous activity. 3. Students need at least eight hours of sleep a night. Anxious children can become more nervous or anxious when they have not gotten enough sleep. 4. Comfort your child with hugs. Touch helps to calm the nervous child. 5. Constantly provide unconditional love. Tell your child, "I love you first; your school performance is secondary." 6. Regular school attendance is very important. The more days of school the child misses, the farther behind he gets and anxieties increase. 7. Teach organizational skills. It is important for an anxious child to have an organized bookbag and desk (as well as an organized homework assignment book). 8. Teach "self talk." Have the child repeat positive affirmations before taking the test. For example, "If I mess up it's not the end of the world. I'll give it my best shot." 9. Discourage your child from comparing herself with others. 10. Give your child a practice test at home the day before the real one. 11. Get your child up earlier on test days so he/she can eat a good breakfast and relax. (A rushed child is going to feel more anxious and nervous.) 12. During the test, tell the child to take small breaks. Tell him to "Put down the pencil, close your eyes, take two or three deep breaths, and then continue." 13. Students should space out their studying. Do a little every night to avoid cramming. 14. Tell the child to look over the test before starting. Read all directions before starting also. Begin with the easiest questions first. 15. Have the students focus on their own tests and not look around to see who has already finished. You can also remind them that being done first does not mean being the best. It is far better to take your time and answer carefully. 16. When the test is over, have the student go back to double check their work, look for mistakes, make sure they did not skip any questions, and make sure their name is on the paper. 17. Reward the child's effort more than the final grade. |