Strategies for Taking Standardized Tests

1. Strategies for Taking Standardized Tests

2. Why do we haveEOG tests? It can show you and your parents how much you’ve learned this year! It helps you show your teachers what you’ve learned. It helps the school know your needs for next year (placement).

3. What will we do each day? Friday, May 30th Math Will take about 3 hours 2- Three minute breaks 54 questions Monday, June 2nd Reading Will take about 3 hours 2 –Three minute break 52 questions Science is only one of these days! Tuesday, June 3rdScience Will take about 3 hours 2-Three minute breaks 75 questions Wednesday, June 4THScience Will take about 3 hours 2-Three minute breaks 75 questions Thursday, June 5thScience Will take about 3 hours 2-Three minute breaks 75 questions

4. The Answer Sheet

5. Special Codes @@@@ @@@@ @@@@ @@@@ @@@@ @@@@ Math—Calculator Active @@@@ @@@@ @@@@ @@@@ _______________________________ Math—Calculator Inactive @@@@ @@@@ @@@@ @@@@ _______________________________ Reading Comprehension @@@@ @@@@ @@@@ @@@@

6. Start in the right place! Outline the circle and fill in. Be neat and erase stray marks. If you change your answer, erase your first guess. Double-check the test number in your test booklet against the answer sheet every few questions to be sure you haven’t gotten on the wrong number.

7. The Test Booklet

8. Use your test booklet! Make notes in the column or underline important words. Circle the your answers in the book first and then fill in your answer sheet. Star the number of questions you want review at the end of the test.

9. Twas the Night before Testing… • Organize your clothes. • Go to bed on time. • Solve family or friend problems before the testing date. • Talk to your parents about any concerns that you might have.

10. Laugh and enjoy school, friends and family

11. The Morning of Testing • Think Positively! • Start your day as you always do • Eat a good breakfast • Arrive on time • Be present and mindful during the test. • Know that the test will only last three hours and you will be able to chill at lunch. • Think about ways you will relax after you get home from school

12. Listen to your teacher! REALLY!

13. Multiple Choice Questions • Try to supply your own answer before reading the choices given. • Read the question and all answer choices before marking anything.

14. I know C isn’t the answer! The Process of Elimination • If you can eliminate two wrong answers, your chance of choosing the right answer is greater.

15. Pace Yourself • Don’t spend too much time on any one question. Make your best guess and then move on. • Answer every question!!!

16. Reading Passages Read the questions first— By doing this, you will know what you are looking for as you read. Next, completely read the passage.

17. Key Words Underline key words or phrases in the question that will help you choose the correct answer. Never Always Except Most Least About

18. Math Computation • When using scratch paper on a math test, double check to make sure that you have copied the problem correctly from the test booklet!

19. Math Computation • Line up place value correctly on your scratch paper (thousands, hundreds, tens, ones) or the answer will be incorrect. Is the answer 2,894 or 545?

20. Math Computation • If your answer does not match one of the choices, reread the problem, recopy the numbers, and try solving it again.

21. For “Math Active” Use Your Calculators!!

22. A Matter of Time • You will have plenty of time to finish if you work consistently. If you need more time at the end, you will be taken to another room to finish • Maximum of 4 hours allowed to finish • As you go back through, do not change all answers. • Remember: If you are not certain of the answer, your first guess/instinct is usually right.

23. It’s NOT a race!

24. Use time near the end of testing to check to make sure you have answered all questions. Then look at the questions you have starred.

25. Remember it's okay to not know everything — unlike class tests, these tests are designed to be a challenge.

26. The Stressed Grip If your arm tires during testing it is probably due to the grip that you have on your pencil. Relax the grip and give those muscles a break.

27. Stress Busters • Be Prepared (On time) • Practice • Know what is expected of you • Slow down and relax • Use your breaks to stand and stretch • Take some deep breaths • Take short mental breaks throughout the test if needed • Positive self talk “I can do it”

29. Who needs luck? I have Knowledge, skills and Confidence!

30. Relaxation Techniques • Positive/Rational Self Talk • “I can do it, I’ve got this” • Stop swirling negative thoughts. It just leads to anxiety. Which will cause you to test poorly • Deep Breathing • In through nose and out through mouth. • Breath out like you are blowing bubbles. • Stretching • Brain Gym Activities at Breaks

31. Progressive Muscle Relaxation • Progressive muscle relaxation. In this relaxation technique, you focus on slowly tensing and then relaxing each muscle group. This helps you focus on the difference between muscle tension and relaxation. You become more aware of physical sensations. One method of progressive muscle relaxation is to start by tensing and relaxing the muscles in your toes and progressively working your way up to your neck and head. You can also start with your head and neck and work down to your toes. Tense your muscles for at least five seconds and then relax for 30 seconds, and repeat.

32. Autogenic Relaxation • Autogenic relaxation. Autogenic means something that comes from within you. In this relaxation technique, you use both visual imagery and body awareness to reduce stress. You repeat words or suggestions in your mind to relax and reduce muscle tension. For example, you may imagine a peaceful setting and then focus on controlled, relaxing breathing, slowing your heart rate, or feeling different physical sensations, such as relaxing each arm or leg one by one.

33. Visualization • Visualization. In this relaxation technique, you form mental images to take a visual journey to a peaceful, calming place or situation. During visualization, try to use as many senses as you can, including smell, sight, sound and touch. If you imagine relaxing at the ocean, for instance, think about such things as the smell of salt water, the sound of crashing waves and the warmth of the sun on your body. You may want to close your eyes, sit in a quiet spot and loosen any tight clothing.