Terra Novas?? How do I help my child do well?

I know the idea of standardized testing strikes fear in many parents' hearts. And in an effort to have good words to share with you about these tests I did some research. Of the many sites I looked at these words were the common thread throughout:

"Optimize brain power. Teachers say the students who struggle the most on testing days are the ones who didn't have enough sleep or a good breakfast the day of the test. Also, students who are physically or mentally unprepared often encounter problems. Make sure she has every tool she needs — pencils, an eraser, paper, a calculator, etc. laid out the night before, as well as any preliminary paperwork filled out, if possible. If she isn't feeling well on the test day, it's better to keep her home and let her make up the test later rather than risk poor performance. 

Encourage good study habits and challenge critical-thinking skills. Reviewing test-taking strategies is important, but monitoring overall academic progress and staying in good communication with the teacher will help you ward off potential problems. Good reading skills factor heavily in a timed test, so encourage reading (consider magazines, newspapers, or even comic books if he shies away from books) as much as possible. Testing also measures critical-thinking ability, so ask him to discuss ideas or voice his opinion often to stimulate these thought processes." Scholastic.com/Parent and Child Magazine

Lastly, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.