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Parenting Tips: Test Taking

by Tiffany Rudd

I just got a note from Cameron’s Kindergarten teacher informing parents that the students will be taking “end of year tests” for the next few weeks and asking for support at home. It really took me back to my years as a public school teacher and the stress of testing time. I worried so much over each student’s readiness and on their ability to show their hard work and knowledge on a test. Now, here I am, at the beginning of many years of the same worries for my own children. As much as we hate to admit it, testing is an important part of life. From Kindergarten tests, to ACT/SAT, college exams, and even drivers license exams. 

So, what can we do as parents to help our children do their very best on tests? 

I found some great suggestions at pta.org: 

1. Instill the value of learning in your child at an early age.

2. Make sure your children are good readers.

3. Communicate frequently with your child's teacher or teachers.

4. Know your child's learning progress and needs by monitoring assignments, homework, and test performance.

5. Establish a regular time for homework and studying.

6. Don't make your child nervous about tests, even big ones.

7. Encourage your child to develop a positive attitude toward school and testing.

8. Review tests with your child after they are returned home for what your child did and didn't understand.

9. Remember, tests and grading systems are not perfect.

It is also important to teach your child good test taking skills. Here are ten great testing tips to share with your student.

1. Have a Positive Attitude

Approach the big test as you'd approach a giant jigsaw puzzle. It might be tough, but you can do it! A positive attitude goes a long way toward success. 

2. Make a Plan

The week before the test, ask your teacher what the test is going to cover. Is it from the textbook only? Class notes? Can you use your calculator? If you've been absent, talk to friends about material you may have missed. Make a list of the most important topics to be covered and use that as a guide when you study. Circle items that you know will require extra time. Be sure to plan extra time to study the most challenging topics. 

3. The Night Before

Cramming doesn't work. If you've followed a study plan, the night before the test you should do a quick review and get to bed early. Remember, your brain and body need sleep to function well, so don't stay up late! 

4. The Morning of the Test

Did you know that you think better when you have a full stomach? So don't skip breakfast the morning of the test. Get to school early and do a ten-minute power study right before the test, so your brain is turned on and tuned up. 

5. Test Time

Before the test begins, make sure you have everything you'll need - scratch paper, extra pencils, your calculator (if you're allowed to use it). Understand how the test is scored: Do you lose points for incorrect answers? Or is it better to make guesses when you're not sure of the answer? Read the instructions! You want to make sure you are marking answers correctly. 

6. Manage Your Time

Scan through the test quickly before starting. Answering the easy questions first can be a time saver and a confidence builder. Plus, it saves more time in the end for you to focus on the hard stuff. 

7. I'm Stuck!

Those tricky problems can knock you off balance. Don't get worried or frustrated. Reread the question to make sure you understand it, and then try to solve it the best way you know how. If you're still stuck, circle it and move on. You can come back to it later. What if you have no idea about the answer? Review your options and make the best guess you can, but only if you don't lose points for wrong answers. 

8. Multiple-Choice Questions

The process of elimination can help you choose the correct answer in a multiple-choice question. Start by crossing off the answers that couldn't be right. Then spend your time focusing on the possible correct choices before selecting your answer. 

9. Neatness Counts

If your 4s look like 9s, it could be a problem. Be sure that your writing is legible and that you erase your mistakes. For machine-scored tests, fill in the spaces carefully. 

10. I'm Done! 

Not so fast - when you complete the last item on the test, remember that you're not done yet. First, check the clock and go back to review your answers, making sure that you didn't make any careless mistakes (such as putting the right answer in the wrong place or skipping a question). Spend the last remaining minutes going over the hardest problems before you turn in your test.

I found this great list at teachervision.com. I created a printable version HERE so you can share it with your child.

Elementary + Activities: Spelling Race

by Tiffany Rudd

You will need: Your child’s spelling list or site word list, 2 inch circles cut out of construction paper, a marker, and a timer.

Prep: On individual circles, write the letters needed to spell each word on your child’s list. Designate a starting line, then spread the circles around the floor in the playing area. 

How to Play: At “go,” start the timer and read a word from the list. Your child then runs around gathering the letters that spell that word. The catch: he/she can only pick up one letter at a time and has to return it the the starting line before finding the next one. Once the word has been spelled correctly, call out a new word. When all the words on the list have been spelled correctly, stop the timer. Return the circles to the floor and challenge your child to start again and beat his/her time! 

Variations: For younger kids, write an entire site word on each circle. To make the activity a little easier, use different colored circles for each word. 

Preschool Activities: Marker Fun

by Tiffany Rudd

As much as I wish I did, I definitely do not have a super laid-back and relaxed personality. (Please don’t tell my husband I just admitted to that!) I’m not a big fan of messes and sometimes I think my kids miss out due to my lack of “chill.” Obviously, my sister and I are exactly alike in this area. I blame our Dad. (Mom, don’t tell him I said that!) Did you read Deborah’s Parenting Tip last Friday called Planned Spontaneity? That post could have been written about me. I loved her ideas on fitting in fun and spontaneity. 

This activity is one of the ways I have found to allow some mess and not set off my “must clean now” uptight side. Thank goodness for WASHABLE Markers!

Step One: Strip your toddler down to just a diaper or underwear. This activity works best for children 18 months - 3 years. 

Step Two: Take a minute to pinch some thigh chub and appreciate just how adorable a naked baby really is.

Step Three: Put your child in a confined area. The bathtub or highchair work great. 

Step Four: Give him/her some WASHABLE markers. Did you check three times to make sure they each said washable? No? Just me then, huh? I told you I’m laid back.

Step Five: Let your child color anywhere! Yep, anywhere! Thank goodness for no clothes and an easy to clean area.

Step Six: Take pictures, smile, and then clean like a mad woman. Did I mention how grateful I am for washable markers?

This super easy, zero prep activity has been a favorite of each of my little ones. 

Meal-Time Activities: Kitchen Table Celebration

By: Deborah Pace Rowley

This isn’t exactly an activity to do at meal-time but is my all-time favorite use for my kitchen table. Whenever one of my children has done something wonderful that needs to be celebrated, we have that child stand on the kitchen table. *This is assuming you have a sturdy kitchen table that can support your child’s weight. **Only eliminate standing up if your table is really rickety. Trust me the best part of this activity is standing on the table! While the child is standing on the table, dramatically announce the news of their amazing accomplishment. Our kids have stood on the table for giving Primary talks, passing a spelling test, not crying at the doctor’s office when getting shots, scoring a winning soccer goal, not hitting anyone for a full day…you name it! The rest of the family then circles the table and cheers for the child as loudly and exuberantly as possible. We shout “Three Cheers for __________ (fill in the blank with the child’s name.) Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray!” The child’s smile says it all!

Parenting Tips: Planned Spontaneity

By: Deborah Pace Rowley

Have you noticed that kids love it when their parents act spontaneously? It is exhilarating to let go of the routine, forego the rules, and just play together. The problem is…I can’t do it! I must be completely lacking in the spontaneous gene because, even if I could let go of MY PLAN (which I can’t!), I couldn’t think of a spontaneous action if my life depended on it.

So I cheat in this department. I plan ahead for moments that I can make seem spontaneous. I buy a kite and store it in the trunk of my car. Then I watch the weather for a windy day so that I can pick up the kids at school and “spontaneously” announce, “Let’s be crazy and go fly a kite today!” All the kids cheer as I wink and nod knowingly to myself in the rearview mirror. What a fun Mom I am! The amazing thing is that if I had made this announcement at family council, “Let’s go fly a kite on Thursday at 2:30 p.m.” my plan would have resulted in grumbles of disapproval and disinterested stares. Trust me, I have tried this approach. There is something about flinging it on kids spontaneously that makes the idea wildly popular.

If you are the predictable, day-planner type, (you know who you are) give planned spontaneity a try. Next time you are folding a mountain of socks into neat little balls, don’t put them away. Instead, sneak the laundry basket behind the couch. Then when Dad is pulling into the driveway, “spontaneously” gather all the kids behind the sofa for an impromptu sock war as soon as Dad enters the house. You won’t need to give Dad a heads up. He will jump right into the action, grabbing up socks and pelting them back at his giggling and screaming offspring. You will just smile, knowing that you had planned this spontaneous moment of family fun all along!

Elementary + Activities: Bash Down the Wall

by Deborah Pace Rowley

Junior high and high school can be so stressful for kids. Sometimes the pressure causes my teenagers to melt down just like they did when they were toddlers. Teenage tantrums look a little bit different than two-year-old tantrums, but not much! Right now at our house Dad is a student too and is approaching his finals this week. He has also been a little bit grumpy and stressed out (sorry honey, but you have!) so I planned a special stress-busing activity.

First, I gathered all the boxes that I could find of different sizes and shapes. *Couch cushions and pillows would also work for this activity if you can’t find enough boxes. I loaded them all into the family room with some tape, paper and markers. Then I gathered my family and had each person write on pieces of paper all the things that were causing them stress. They could write down specific assignments, tests or teachers, anything they were concerned about. Then they attached each piece of paper to a box. Some boxes got more than one label because we had so many. Then we built a wall with all our boxes. The wall almost spanned the distance of the room and almost reached the ceiling. Then each family member got a chance to bash down the wall. They could ninja-kick, karate-chop, or head-butt down the boxes. The only requirement was that they had to holler at the boxes as they did it. ‘Take that you big, bad assignments! You aren’t so bad after all!” “Is that the best you can do?” “You think this test is hard! I will show you hard!” After each person had a turn to bash down the wall (and some kids had more than one turn!), we talked about how we are bigger than our problems and God is bigger than everything. He can help us tear down any wall. He even tore down the walls of Jericho with the blast of a few trumpets! We don’t need to worry or stress when God is on our side. At the end of the activity, everyone lay peacefully on the floor of the family room for 15 or 20 minutes. The kids (and their Dad) probably should have been working on homework. But I didn’t care. It felt so nice not to feel stressed for a change.

Preschool Activities: Secret Language

By: Deborah Pace Rowley

When one of my daughters was little, she often invented words. One time when she was really mad, she couldn’t find the rights words to express her anger at me. Red-faced, she blurted out, “Blah, blah, blue, blue!” I chuckled inside and decided to overlook the reason for her frustration. Instead I responded, “Why, honey, that is so sweet. I blah, blah, blue, blue you too!” Natalie began to laugh. This silly expression quickly became our term of endearment for each other. It was our secret way to say, “I love you.” The important part was that this expression belonged just to Natalie and to me. She guarded this phrase and wouldn’t let Dad or any of her siblings use our “special words.” Is there something special you could do or say that would show your love for each child individually? Spend a few minutes snuggling with your preschooler and come up with a made-up word or special gesture or hand shake together. 

Meal Time Activities: Describe It

by Tiffany Rudd

I set a small “rule” at the breakfast table today that made for a super fun start to our day. The only rule was: You can’t say the name of the foods you want, you have to describe them! 

Sleepy eyes + bed-head + a glass kitchen table = an awesome photo! :)

We were having steel-cut oatmeal (yum!) with toppings for breakfast. So, I set out bowls of fruit, the cinnamon shaker, a jar of jam, and even a little bowl of chocolate chips. 

When Cameron asked, “May I please have some small, purple, frozen balls of juiciness?” we couldn’t help but laugh.

And when Brooklyn said, “Please pass the jar of blood stuff with little seeds that Grandpa made.” Cameron had tears in his eyes, he was laughing so hard. 

He wanted blueberries and she wanted raspberry jam, but just asking for those wouldn’t have been nearly as fun.

Try this simple rule at your table today. You may not be eating “hot, creamy goodness in a bowl” or shaking “tiny flecks of spiciness” on top, but as long as your meal includes a few options to ask for and describe, I promise it will be a lot of fun! 

Parenting Tips: What Puddle Wonderful Means to Me

By Deborah Pace Rowley

I am a working mother. I serve in my church. My husband works full-time and goes to school full-time. Like all moms, I am busy. If I am not careful, I end up too busy. My parenting philosophy can be summed up in these words: Be a great mom, a few minutes at a time. I can’t spend all day homeschooling my children, even though I envy those who do. I can’t spend hours sewing elaborate Halloween costumes, even though I wish I could. I can’t do the coolest “pinable” crafts with my kids because they are too expensive, too time-consuming or both. But I can snuggle with my daughter and read one chapter in the book we are sharing. I can shoot a few hoops with my son. I can sit on the back porch swing with my teenager and enjoy the spring sunshine. This is what “Puddle Wonderful” means to me. Have you read the poem on our side bar by e.e.cummings? My favorite line in the poem is “when the world is mud-luscious.” I love the messy, no-rules freedom this word represents. I love the way the whole poem celebrates simple childhood games and sweet moments of adventure and play that are gone all too soon.

I knew “Puddle Wonderful” was the perfect name for our blog because this was what we wanted to do: to provide inspiration for simple moments of learning and play. The ideas we presented had to fit this criteria. First, they had to be free or inexpensive to do. Second, they could only require just a few minutes of time. And third, and most importantly, they needed to be fun for both parents and kids to participate in.

Have we accomplished our goal? I know that I have loved the ideas that my sister has shared and I have loved trying out ideas on my own kids. This blog has helped me to be a better mother. As hectic as life gets, I try to remember that it only takes a few minutes to say, “I love you.” It only takes a few minutes to stomp in a puddle or play Pooh sticks in a stream. It only takes a few minutes to play an ABC game or sing a counting song, but the memories of these moments last forever. I can always slow down enough to have a Puddle Wonderful Day!

Included in this post are some of my favorite pictures of my kids. This was the backyard of our home in Arizona on a rainy day before we put in grass. The result of Mom seeing that a few moments of fun was infinitely worth a few more moments of mess= Puddle Wonderful! 

Elementary + Activities: My Favorite Educational Apps & Websites

by Tiffany Rudd

Since my oldest is just 6, I didn't have a ton of experience with apps and websites for older kids. Don't worry though, I sacrificed just for you and spent a little (okay, maybe slightly more than a little) time playing scientifically testing games to share with you. I have to admit, I found some that were extremely addicting and even learned a few things myself. Let me tell you, playing games is hard. {Cough, Cough} But I'd do anything for our readers. :)

My Favorite Educational Apps - Elementary +

1. Math With Springbird (Full Version $2.99, but the FREE version has basic addition and subtraction) This is a fun game with the cutest little birds. You solve math problems to earn worms, fly your way up to rescue birds trapped in cages, and even buy cute accessories to dress up your birds. 

2. Futaba (FREE, but for $2.99 you can get the Full Version and add learning sets) I love this game because it can be played alone or with up to 4 players competing against each other, which we've had fun with in our family. In the game you are picking the correct word to go with the picture shown. The free version is a great way to practice vocabulary/site words. In the full version you can add learning sets to practice telling time, math concepts, currency, and even a foreign language. 

3. Stack the States ($0.99) Warning, this app is totally addicting! You answer questions about state capitals, bordering states, state parks, etc. to earn states that you stack on top of each other to try to reach the checkered line. It may not sounds all that exciting, but I'm telling you, don't get this app unless you have time to sit and play learn for way longer than you planned!

4. Doodle Fit ($0.99) This app comes with a guarantee, "Once you start playing you won't be able to stop!" I have to admit it is true. This is basically a tangram game for older children. You have to fit a given set of blocks into a given shape. As you get further along they get pretty tricky, so this is a great one for higher-level thinking and problem solving. 

5. Robot Tycoon (FREE lite version, $4.99 for Full Version) This is a great app for a future entrepreneur! You sell and build robots and make decisions based on cost vs. income. You can even expand your business by building a storefront or factory, but first you have to increase your cash flow!

6. Pizza Fractions (FREE) This is a great way for kids to master simple fractions using pizza slice examples. Even my 6 year old was able to grasp the concept of simple fractions with this app, but it's perfect for 2nd-6th graders.

7. Word BINGO ($0.99) This is a fantastic app for practicing site words. It includes a BINGO game where you tap on the word the BINGO bug says, and a Spelling Practice game where you drag letters to spell the words the bug says. Cameron loves earning the cute little BINGO bugs for his collection.

8. K12 Timed Reading Practice (FREE lite version, $1.99 for Full Version) Fluency (how quickly and smoothly you read) is such an important part of reading comprehension. This app has your child read fun stories at his/her reading level and tracks words per minute. It will even tell you where your child fits compared to average reading rates. Then you can set goals and work with your child to improve his/her fluency.

9. Fast Facts (FREE) This free app comes in Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division. It's not fancy, but it is a great flash-card like way to practice and increase speed on basic math facts. 

10. A Basic Time App (FREE) This is a very simple app for learning and practicing telling time. It includes narrated instruction with example clocks and practice questions.

My Favorite Educational Websites - Elementary +

1. FunBrain.com - This website has all kids of math games like math Baseball and Math Fact Tic-Tac-Toe. Plus, reading activities including Mad Libs, comics, and even the web version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. There is even online Sudoku and a section with games parents and kids can play together. 

2. LearningGamesForKids.com - Too many great games and resources to list! From lessons on compound words to keyboarding practice and spelling games. I had way too much fun playing the Music Memory game.

3. MathPlayground.com - I love the slogan "Play with Numbers and Give your Brain a Workout!" My favorite section on this site is called Manipulatives because it gives kids access to great math manipulatives like pattern blocks, geometry boards, and probability spinners they probably don't have at home. 

4. KidsReads.com - I was so excited to find this resource for children's book reviews and author features. This website would be a great way to find new books and series for your child to read. 

5. FreeRice.com - This is a website for High School students. You answer questions about vocabulary, math, science, geography, etc. and for every question you get right they donate 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program. There is even an SAT prep section. Learning and feeding hungry people at the same time. Very cool. 

6. ABCya.com - Tons of fun an educational games divided by grade level. There is even a Latitude and Longitude Treasure Hunt! For grades K-5.

7. SmartyGames.com - Lots of games to practice reading and math, plus puzzles, mazes, and even dot-to-dots. I was especially excited to find lots of games for practice counting money. 

8. FactMonster.com - This is a fun site for kids (or parents) who are interested in learning about any topic. There are articles on tons of topics from math and science to sports and music, or even fashion. There is also a great homework help section.

9. SpellingCity.com - What a great site for spelling and vocabulary practice! Your child can enter his/her spelling list and it will create flashcards, practice games and even a test. 

10. BookAdventure.com - This would be a great site for motivating summer reading! It's a free site by Sylvan where kids can find books, take quizzes on books they have read and even earn prizes. 

You can find my list of Favorite Educational Apps & Websites for Preschool Kids HERE. 

Preschool Activities: Habitat Sort

by Tiffany Rudd

This fun and easy activity combines two important preschool concepts, animal habitats and sorting. It takes just a few minutes to prep, but has always been a favorite of my kids and my preschool students. 

1. Print out the habitat pictures I created HERE. I’ve included Ocean, Farm, Forest, Jungle/Rainforest, and Arctic. 

2. Gather any small animals you have around the house. Have your children help with this part. It doesn’t matter if the animals aren’t from the same set, just gather any figurines/small stuffed animals you have around. If you don’t have many animals, you can print some small pictures or cut pictures from magazines. 

3. Spend just a few minutes talking about each habitat and what kind of animals would live in each. 

4. Let the sorting begin! You may need to help a little the first time. 

5. Depending on the age of your child you can discuss why certain animals live in certain habitats. For example, what do each of the Arctic Animals have to help them stay warm in their cold habitat? 

6. Watch your child enjoy sorting the animals over and over again! :) You may want to laminate your pictures, or just slip them into plastic page protectors.

Print the Animal Habitat Pictures HERE.

Meal-Time Activities: I saw It on Mulberry Street

by Deborah Pace Rowley

Today’s dinnertime activity is inspired by the Dr. Seuss book And To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. In this classic tale, Marco answers his dad’s question, “What did you see on the way home from school?” with an invented tale that gets bigger and better the longer it continues.

At dinnertime tonight participate in some storytelling of your own. Explain that the purpose is to make the craziest, silliest, most imaginative story possible. The goal isn’t to tell the truth. Begin the festivities by asking Dr. Seuss’ question, “What did you see on the way home from school?” If your children aren’t yet in school, you can ask, “What did you see in front of our house today?”

Each person in the family then takes a turn describing the scene. Tell the story round-robin style so that one person picks up where the last person leaves off. All the elements have to tie in together. If Dad saw a lion, Mom can see the lion tamer chasing after the lion, brother might see the lion tamer tripping over an elephant’s trunk, and sister might see the elephant putting down his trunk to pick up the peanuts that had spilled out of her backpack. Continue going around the table until everyone has run out of ideas and/or the story is super-sized enough for Dr. Seuss. For added fun, you can cover the table with butcher paper or a paper table cloth and illustrate your outlandish tale as the story unfolds or as an after-dinner activity.  

Parenting Tips: Making Memories {Guest Post}

by Tiffany Rudd & Ashley Sullenger

I recently sat trying to write a Parenting Tip post about enjoying motherhood. Being a mom is not easy. Children come with a lot of hard work, tantrums, sibling fights, constant demands and not always a lot of appreciation. But, I believe one of the most important things we can do as parents is to pause throughout the day and enjoy our children. Every time I stop running long enough to spend time with each of my children or even just really look at them, gratitude for my blessings washes over me. I'm reminded of how lucky I am to be a mom, to be their mom. 

As I sat pondering this tip, the Sullenger family kept coming to mind. I started reading Ashley's blog in 2010 when their beautiful daughter was in an accident. Ashley has been such an example of strength and faith through trial. I am trying to be more like her and I will often read past posts from her blog on those days when I need reminded to enjoy the moments I have with my children. I am so incredibly grateful Ashley was willing to share a guest post with us today. I'm sure you'll learn from her as much as I have. 

_____________________________ 

Memories. We all have them, and are constantly making new ones. We tend to focus on the positive ones, and push the negative ones aside. Whether our memories are good or bad, what if suddenly we weren't able to make new ones? What if all we had left were the memories we once took for granted?

July 2010, Preslee, my 18 month daughter, fell into a canal while my husband and I were on a date. She was air lifted to Primary Children's Medical Center in SLC, UT where she fought for her life. I would have never dreamed the last memory I would have with my child would be holding her in my arms while she took her last breath.

Primary Children's Medical Center July 2010

Suddenly I found myself childless, grasping on to the only thing I had left, which were memories.

Now, 19 months later, many of those memories are beginning to fade.

I am so incredibly grateful for everything I did to document Preslee's life. Last year we were blessed with another child, a little boy, we named Ledger. Even if I never lose my son, I realize there will come a day that I will miss my daily routine of being a mom. I now try to preserve any memory I can with Ledger and my husband. Here are a few things that I've come to understand.

Family pictures with Ledger 2011

Write.

I love writing, I probably write more than the average person, but I now record a lot more. My blog is incredibly important to me and I love that I can look back and read about Preslee's precious life. I also have a private blog, where I record the more personal things dealing with our family and all of Ledger's milestones. (I'm pretty sure not everyone cares about them as much as his proud mama does) I combine both blogs to create a book using Blurb, which I absolutely love.

One thing I've learned is to work on it more than once a year, if not, it can become extremely overwhelming to put together. Whether it's writing on a blog or in a journal, I understand the importance of documenting our experiences.

Photograph. 

I've learned to save all the pictures I take, even the ones that don't seem "blog worthy." My favorite pictures I have of my daughter are the candid ones that depict who she really was. Always save the original, even after you edit it. 

This site gives some great tips on organizing and backing up your photos.

Videotape.

When talking to a friend who lost her husband, she suggested to switch off who stands behind the video camera. She explained the same person usually tends to videotape, so they rarely appear in the videos. When I went back and watched ours, I realized that I'm in very few. I now hand the camera over to my husband more often.

Gratitude.

This may sound strange, but for me, gratitude and memories are strongly tied together. My strongest memories throughout the years, are when I was the most content and happy with where I was in life.

It's easy to constantly focus on the future, especially when raising children. But, after losing Preslee, I've come to understand every single day is a gift, and I have no idea how many days I have left with the people I love. I now focus on the present, hoping to always make the most of it.

February 2010

I now encourage you to do the same. Get out your camera more often, make time to write, and be grateful for what you have been given. Cherish the moments you get to spend with family and friends, and appreciate the experiences you share with them.

Because I now understand, very few things last forever.