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: 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! 

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 - Manners Marbles

by Tiffany Rudd

Eating together as a family is definitely a priority in our house. I try to make sure we all sit down to eat together every evening. Because my husband has a long commute to work, that means it is practically bedtime by the time he gets home. About half of our dinner meals end up a little bit rushed. “Let’s all hurry and eat and get to bed!” Eating out is very rare in our house, so I honestly hadn’t realized we had created a problem with manners until one day when my in-laws took us all to a restaurant. What a wake-up call! I was frustrated with my children’s behavior until I realized I had no right to expect something I obviously hadn’t taught them well. That is when Mrs. Manners and her Manners Marbles came for a visit. 

I donned a goofy wig and a pair of glasses, did my best cheesy voice and told the kids it was time to learn how to act at the table. First we had a quick lesson on appropriate behavior. Tip: try to avoid negatives or “do not...” rules. Here is the list I printed out to use during our lesson.

During Meals We Always...

Say “please” and “thank you.”

Remain seated with our bottoms on our chairs. 

Chew with our mouths closed.

Take appropriately sized bites.

Use our napkins.
Keep negative comments about the food to ourselves.

Use silverware unless food is meant to be eaten with our fingers.

Only talk about subjects/make noises that are table appropriate.  

Clear our places when we are finished.

Show appreciation to the cook.

After we reviewed the rules, I put a jar of marbles on the table and a small bowl in front of each child’s plate. We also decided together on a reward system. The first night it took 8 marbles to buy dessert. The next night it took 10, the next 12, and so on. As we ate dinner I complimented any good manners I saw and put a marble in that child’s jar. My high-pitched “What MARVELOUS Manners” became a hilarious reward all by itself. 

At the end of dinner the kids were able to trade the correct amount of marbles for dessert. After 5 days Mrs. Manners and her marbles left, but thankfully the good manners stuck around. And, every once in a while the kids will still point out each others “Marvelous Manners!”  

Click HERE to print out a copy of our manners rules.

Elementary + Activities - Secret Notebook

by Tiffany Rudd

When my son learned to write, one of the first things he loved to create were letters. Letters to me and my husband, letters to his grandparents and cousins, and even letters to his little sister. I wanted a way to keep these treasures and to encourage him to continue writing, so I started our “Secret Notebook”. Just a simple spiral-bound notebook that has become special in our family. The first page is a letter from me that reads...

Dear Cameron,

Do you want to write letters to each other in this book? We can put it in fun  places for each other to find. I love you so much and I am proud of you. You are learning to read and write so well. It is so cool! I love you!

Love, Mom

Write me a letter on the next page okay? Let’s keep it a secret! :)

The next page says...

Mom 

Yoo or the best mom! I luf yoo. Yoo do good thens to me. I luf you. Yoo or the best mom. 

Frum Cameron

Now the notebook can be found waiting on pillows, in dresser drawers, or even in the bathroom. A few times he has written letters to say I’m sorry, and thank you for certain things, but mostly we just write “love notes” back and forth. One of my favorites is one Cameron wrote to his little sister...

Broclin (Brooklyn)

Yoo or the best sistr. I lik you. Yoo or boodifl (beautiful).

Frum Cameron

I can look back now and see how his spelling is improving, and just the sight of our little red notebook always makes me smile. I think I paid $1.00 for it. Money well spent. 

P.S. If you start a notebook of your own, remember it is not the place for correcting spelling or pointing out mistakes. If Cameron asks me how to spell a word, I write it in the front cover of the book so he can refer back to it if he chooses, but I never give advice if he doesn’t ask. This writing should just be fun and encouraging, not homework.

Preschool Activities - My Favorite Educational Apps & Websites

by Tiffany Rudd

As a mom and a teacher, I am not a huge fan of what I call “screen time” i.e. tv, movies, computer games, wii games, ipad games, smart phone games, etc... You get the idea. With so much technology all around us, sometimes it feels like my kids hop from one screen to the next. I try to limit screen time as much as possible. I’ve even been known to institute week-long bans on screen time when the weather is nice. Having said that, I do have to admit that screens can become a mom’s best friend. They have definitely saved me a time or two when dinner needed to be on the table and 2 or 3 little ones were running circles around my feet, or when I just needed a quite minute or two. And, in our house they work as an excellent reward/motivational tool. Of course, I always feel better when I allow screen time if it is also educational. With these fun iPad or iPhone apps and websites, the kids won’t even know you’re sneaking some learning in there. 

My Favorite Educational Apps - Preschool

1. Letter School ($2.99) - This is the most expensive app I’ve gotten for the kids, but it is a fantastic one for letter and number review and a great place to start with handwriting instruction. Brooklyn’s confidence in writing has grown like crazy since she started using this app.

2. Alphabet Zoo (Free) - This has been a surprise favorite in our house. You just click on each letter to hear the letter name, the phonemic sound, the animal that starts with that letter, and the sound the animal makes. Not much too it, but it has gotten a lot of use and I love the great review it provides.

3. Junior Bingo ($0.99) - This app creates bingo boards to help kids review colors, shapes, numbers, letters, and letter sounds. When you answer a question correctly you get a square and work toward bingo. Brooklyn’s favorite part are  the cute little “bingo bugs” you can earn when you don’t make mistakes. 

4. Shapes Toddler Preschool (Free) - This is another super basic app that has been a hit at our house. It is just meant to teach shapes through quizzing, flashcards, and a game section. I like that it teaches more difficult shapes like  “crescent” and “hexagon” and the kids love the “stickers” you  can earn for correct answers.

5. Monkey Preschool Lunchbox ($0.99) - This is a fun one with a bunch of different activities. It practices colors, counting, matching, beginning letters, and differences. This is  still one of Cameron’s favorites and I think one of the best  selling preschool games in the app store. Definitely worth the $0.99. 

My Favorite Educational Websites - Preschool

1. Starfall - This is a great website all about teaching kids to read. From abc’s and phonics to reading along. Plus, it’s one my kids ask to go back to again and again.  

2. PBSkids - With favorites like Word World, Sesame Street, and Super Why, your kids won’t even realize they are learning. 

3. Funschool - This site has a great preschool section with activities for learning abc’s, numbers, and colors. It also has a great selection of printable coloring pages. 

4. Sesame Street - If you have an Elmo fan in the house, this will be a favorite! There are fun videos and activities teaching great basics like seasons, shapes, and colors.

5. Literacy Center - This website is very basic, but a great one for reviewing both capital and lowercase letters, numbers and even basic keyboarding skills.