The Counselor's Corner
Dear Parents,
Everyone here at Nicholson has been busily preparing for our upcoming CRCT tests that will begin Wednesday April 23rd. Our first through fifth grades will test the 23rd through the 25th on Reading, Language Arts, and Math. Third through fifth grades will test on April 28th and 29th on Science and Social Studies respectively.
In classroom guidance I have been working with first through third grades on test stress. I have explained that some level of stress is beneficial, because it will make them more alert so their test performance is likely to improve. However, I explained that too much stress will not help. I explain the stress as butterflies in their stomachs, heart beating fast, and sweaty palms. The students and I then discuss some strategies that will help to alleviate the stress when it happens or before it occurs. We talked about basic test taking strategies, such as getting 8-10 hours of sleep each night, eating a healthy breakfast, getting to school early, thinking and talking positively, taking deep breaths to calm themselves, etc. I reassured the students that they had been working all year to prepare for these tests, and that no one expected them to answer all questions correctly. I explained that their parents, teachers, and everyone do expect them to do their best and try their hardest.
On Wednesday April 16th Mrs. Insogna and I hosted a parent workshop entitled "A Guide to Successful Test Taking." We were so pleased that the workshop was well attended. During the workshop we stressed testing tips such as maintain as stress-free environment on testing mornings as possible, remind your child to do his or her best, and reassure your child that you are confident he or she will, and get your child to school early on test mornings so that he or she will have time to go through their morning routine before testing begins without feeling rushed. Parents, as you know the CRCT tests are important, and we certainly want our students and children to succeed; however we do not want to create an environment where they feel unnecessary stress. Please just encourage them to do their best. At the conclusion of testing if your child does not feel that he or she has done his or her best work, reassure your child there will be many other opportunities during their academic career to succeed. Parents, as always if I can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call me at 770-928-5573, or my e-mail is jean.mosley@cobbk12.org.
