Tannahill 5th Grade STAAR Test
April 9 - April 13
Test Days
Monday, April 9 - Review and Logistical Preparations
Tuesday, April 10 - 5th STAAR MathWednesday, April 11 - 5th STAAR Reading
Thursday, April 12 - Make Up Testing
Friday, April 13 - Make Up Testing
STAAR Test Tips
Here are some tips to help your child be successful with STAAR testing
· What they should expect. Talk to your kids about what to expect and how the STAAR test is not that different from regular tests and exams. A few years ago I pointed out to my daughter that she was already doing well in Language Arts and making good grades on her writing projects, she relaxed. Sometimes just reminding them that they already have the skills and a record of success can build their confidence.
· Get plenty of sleep. A tired child cannot stay focused for hours on end.
· Avoid arguments. Arguments are stressful and do not benefit students during the testing period.
· Eat a healthy breakfast. Minimize sugar and carbohydrates and make sure your child has some protein to help keep their energy stable for a longer period of time. Sometimes getting to school early to have breakfast with friends can help relax your child and take their mind off the test.
· Be on time. Running late for school on a STAAR test day can cause anxiety and frustration for your child.
· Make sure they get plenty of exercise and free play time after school. The test is stressful and the kids’ normal routine at school is different this week. Their minds need a mental break after sitting all day. Physical activity is also great for helping kids to relax and sleep better!
· Support and praise them. It may sound simple, but just tell them you are proud of them and know they will do a great job. Knowing you are rooting for them can help boost confidence.
· Eat Healthy. Send a healthy lunch or talk to your kids about choosing a healthy lunch at the school cafeteria. Explain how healthy food supports their brains, kind of like Popeye and his spinach!
· Surprise them with a special note. Put a note in their lunch box to just say hi and you hope they are having a great day. Nothing fancy, just a sticky note saying “I love you” will lift a tired spirit. Got older kids? Send them a quick lunchtime text showing your support. Don’t ask how it’s going, just say, “I am thinking about you, have a great day.” Whether they admit it in public or not, our kids need our love and support on a daily basis.
· Go to the Dollar store and buy a couple of fun, colorful pencils. Even something this small brightens their day and gets them excited. As we near the end of the school year, pencils tend to be worn down and erasers nearly gone, make sure your kids are prepared.
· Celebrate when the testing is complete and again when you get the scores. Acknowledge your child for their effort and their success. It might help to tell them that you will go out for ice cream or for a movie or a walk in the park at the end of the week. The key here is to keep their spirits up throughout the week!
STAAR Test Day Agenda
**TIS is a closed campus during test week**
**Phones will be stored away and turned off during testing **
**Students should bring a book that interests them to read after testing**
**Please avoid checking your student out of school during test week**
· 7:00 – 7:30 - Students arrive at school and report to their GRIT class.
· 7:30 – 7:55 – Pretest preparations begin.
Restroom breaks.
Report to testing locations (If different from GRIT class).
Phones will be collected, turned off and stored away during testing (Teachers and students must follow this procedure).
All students will receive a bag of Cheez-itz and a bottle of water.
· 8:00 – STAAR Testing begins.