Mohonasen Central School District

Pine Intermediate School

Miss Christopher's Counselor Page

arrow iconTest Preparation and Study Skills

Plan ahead

Know the dates of tests both in the classroom and the New York State testing dates, so that you can prepare and have plenty of time to learn the information

 

Organization is KEY

  • Use a calendar- write down test dates, due dates for projects, upcoming events

  • Use assignment notebook

  • Decide what system of organization works best for you- for example, some people might prefer binders over folders or vice versa.

  • Make lists and prioritize- listing in the order in which items need to get done first

  • Set up a study area with all the things you need where you would have little distractions

 

SQ3R's

S-Survey Read only the chapter title, subtitles, italicized terms, and boldface type. Make predictions about what the chapter is about.

 

Q- Question Go through each heading and use the interrogatives who, what, where, when, and why, and answer each question. For example if the heading is George Washington ask yourself each question and write them down:

Who is George Washington?

What did George Washington do?

Where is George Washington from

When was George Washington important?

Why is George Washington important?

 

R- Read

Read each section of the chapter and follow Step Q for each heading

 

R-Recite

After reading a section, cover the page and recite what you remember

 

R- Review

Look at the section and see if you missed any important information

 

**The key to the SQ3R's plan is to make sure NOT to leave this all to the night before a test. Manage your time and PLAN it out so that you can do one section at a time, so you really LEARN the material not just memorize it.

 

Listening

  • Listening is a learned skill that requires concentration without distraction!

  • Stay focused

  • Look at the person speaking to avoid getting distracted

 

Follow Directions

  • Do not forget to read directions!

  • For oral directions take notes writing down the important points, like due dates and essential information

  • Highlight and underline important information- making this a habit will also remind you to read directions.

 

Preparation for State Tests

  • Make a habit of continually reviewing school work

  • Read, Read, and Read

  • Make flash cards throughout course of the year- Math facts, vocabulary, spelling, each unit in Social Studies and Science. Continually review the flash cards even when unit tests are over.

  • Practice, Practice, Practice

  • Do your best

 

Before a test or state test

  • Exercise

  • Eat healthy- protein, fruits, and veggies

  • Be well rested

 

During a Test

  • Take deep breaths

  • Relax

  • If you don't know an answer go on and come back to it later

  • Re-read test and make sure you have answered each question and check for silly mistakes

  • Underline important information in question

 

 

 

 

Ideas derived from:

Teaching Study Skills: A guide for parents from the National Association of School Psychologists

(For more information refer to first link under "Resources For Parent")

 

 

Resources for Kids

From the Laugh and Learn Series:

"True or False Test Stink" by Trevor Romain & Elizabeth Verdick

"How to Do Homeworking Without Throwing Up" by Trevor Romain

"Get Organized without Losing It" by Janet S. Fox

"See you Later Procrastinator (Get It Done)" by Pamela Espeland and Elizabeth Verdick

"Stress Can Really Get on your nerves" by Trevor Romain & Elizabeth Verdick

 

http://sf.factmonster.com/homework/studyskills1.html

 

 

 

Resources for Parents

http://www.teachersandfamilies.com/open/parent/homework6.cfm

 

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/parents/