Advice for 1st grader taking Iowa standards tomorrow?

[Michelle @ Living Waters]

My 1st grade daughter is doing the Iowa Standards test with her home school group this week, starting tomorrow. Anything I should tell her in advance? Tips/advice...
Thanks!

[Maverick]

Of course you know to make sure she gets a good night's sleep and eats a good breakfast. Try to keep things routine--changing her routine can transfer any stress you're feeling about the test to her. As long as you are relaxed and matter-of-fact about it, she will accept that she should be that way too. I would just tell her to do her best and not worry. Remind her that if she doesn't understand the directions, she can ask for help.

[LizzyBee]

I always tell my kids that there will be things on the test that they don't know and not to get upset about it. My middle child is a perfectionist and used to be very upset by not being able to answer all the questions.

[Suzanne in ABQ]

Yes, I always remind my kids that there will be things on the test that they haven't learned yet. I stress that the reason they don't know those things is because I haven't taught those things yet. I make it very clear that it is a reflection on me, and my lesson plans, not on them or their intelligence.

[umarider]

When working w/ tests and younger kids I've always referred to the tests as "Show What You Know"s. It's a chance to show off what they can do! Remind her of all the great things you've done this year and here's her chance to show what she knows. If there are things she doesn't know, that's just a way for you to know what you need to work on next year! (Or later). I just let them know that they are helping me make my plans by showing me what they already know.

[Michelle @ Living Waters]

Thanks for all the helpful tips. First day went great. Two to go!

[Carolyn in Ohio]

:001_smile:My daughter was adding whiskers to a picture of a kitten. Luckily I was giving it at home and could erase all her "stray" marks.

Carolyn