March 2015
Mr. H's Class
Donations Needed
Language Arts
Math
Science and Social Studies
SPRING BREAK March 16th-20th
STAAR is Coming!
1) Stay Calm: All children, no matter how well prepared, feel some anxiety about taking their first standardized test. Stay positive when talking about the test and reassure them that anxiety is normal, but it can be harmful if it overwhelms you. Don't frame the test as a scary punishment for not paying attention, but rather as a tool to help you see what you know and what you need to work on.
2) Familiarize Yourself With the Test: You can review past STAAR tests at http://tea.texas.gov/Student_Testing_and_Accountability/Testing/State_of_Texas_Assessments_of_Academic_Readiness_(STAAR)/STAAR_Released_Test_Questions/
Don't try to do the tests with your child at home (we'll be doing enough practice at school), but do take time to look at the rigor and types of questions students will be asked. Notice that many of the questions not only focus on arriving at a correct answer, but also on explaining WHY a student thinks the way they do.
3) Help Your Child Be Their Best: How a child feels the day of the test is a crucial factor in how a child will perform. Getting enough sleep, eating a good breakfast, and having a calm, relaxed morning will help your child more than anything else. Make sure your child gets at least 9-10 hours of sleep, eats a low-sugar breakfast, and wakes up early enough to have a calm, timely trip to school.