Kids vs Standardized Tests

"Help me if you can, I'm feeling down" Help! by The Beatles

We are inching closer to the end of the school year- but there's one big obstacle between students and summer break: and that's testing 😳

If your child is in public school it's unavoidable- every state has countless mandated tests for all grade levels. Many private schools have their own tests too. Once a child hits third grade, the testing gets more serious. This is because the federal government keeps track of third grade reading levels and how they correlate to their lives as adults.

So how can we take the pressure off kids?

It starts with us: If we complain about the test, they will complain out the test. If we seem stressed about it, they will get the message to be stressed. So I recommend staying calm. Then, if they come to you with big feelings, you can give them validation and love instead of extra things to worry about.

Tell them what to expect: Before the test, give them a brief overview of what to expect in their day. Don't forget to include what will happen after the test (they will probably have recess and resume their school day) and any fun details- like a special treat in their lunch.

Define "do your best:" Kids will hear endlessly that they need to do their best- but to many that translates to "be perfect." They should understand it actually means "you really tried." Sometimes doing your best means you really thought it over, but still had to pick a random answer.

What's New? (contains affiliate links)

🎥 Behind the scenes: I am looking back at my old videos and newsletters to see what I can revamp for viewers. I always get nervous looking back at old projects, but I've been really delighted to see I think most of them are really good. I learned a good lesson there to be proud of myself even if I've changed.

​This video​ is a great example of what I am working on to improve Primary Focus- the title Why I Need to Know About Your Divorce is vague and doesn't call out an audience. I am working to rebrand videos like this so they get a better chance on Youtube.

📚 Cover to cover: I just finished the book ​Wrong Place, Wrong Time​ by Gillian McAllister and it is a page turner! It's a murder mystery novel written backwards. In the first chapter a mother witnesses her 18 year old son kill someone. The she is launched in a time loop moving backwards each day to find out what really happened. The writing is really clever and I had no guesses on what really happened til the end.

👟 fresh sneakers: I love my white sneakers but they are so hard to keep clean. I tried these ​sneaker sponges​ and they do the trick! They are like a small magic eraser, but made specifically for shoes.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!