“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Carson–Dellosa. I received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

March is the month of the new PARCC statewide standardized testing for kids in my area. The test, which is administered on computers, is very scary for most kids. In past years with other standardized tests, my kids and I have used test preparation books to ready them for the tests. We’ve found that by working through the test preparation books, my daughters get a better idea of what the tests will be like, and are less fearful when the testing days arrive! I think by prepping beforehand, my kids are able to erase some of their test-taking fears and score better on the tests!

This year my kids have the Spectrum Test Prep and Practice workbooks by Carson-Dellosa Publishing Group to help them prepare for the standardized PARCC tests. The books have been a great help! The books that I received include practice tests specific for our state and my children’s grade level, plus strategy-based activities for language arts and math, and test taking strategies to help a child test well on the day of the test! Having this information on hand is so helpful for my kids, especially since this year is the first year of the PARCC testing in my state, and my kids had no idea what to expect concerning the tests!

Founded by teachers, the Carson-Dellosa Publishing Group has a 35-year history as the leading supplemental education provider for teachers, parents and students. Each test-prep book is grade-specific and features custom-designed practice aligned to the Common Core Standards.

One of my daughters doesn’t love working through the books, but I can say that the test prep books have definitely helped her in the past! One daughter is rather focused academically, so she was thrilled when we got the Spectrum Test Prep and Practice workbooks this year! She actually can’t wait to take more of the practice tests in the books. Beyond prepping for the tests, I think that the Spectrum Test Prep books are also helpful for reinforcing the material my daughters learn in school and helping them prep for their regular weekly classroom subject-material tests.

Test Taking Tips

These are some test-taking strategies my kids and I have learned from our Spectrum Test Prep books: 

 – Don’t wait until the night before the test to begin reviewing the subject material. Create a test preparation schedule and study days in advance.

– Take advantage of sample items and practice tests to ready yourself for the test.

– The night before the test, pack all the materials you need/are allowed  (per your teacher) to bring for the test, including sharpened pencils, paper and a calculator.

– Get a good night’s sleep the night before the test so you will be alert the next day.

– Eat a good breakfast the day of the test to keep your energy levels up.

– Read all questions and multiple choice question options fully the day of the test.

– Answer every part of a question.

If you get stuck on a question, mark or remember that question and come back to it later if you have time.

– Stay calm and remind yourself that you’ve prepared for the test and will do your best!

For more information on the Spectrum Test Prep books by  Carson-Dellosa Publishing Group , check out these links and hashtags:

#IC

#SpectrumTestPrep

Carson-Dellosa on Facebook

Carson-Dellosa on Twitter

 This post was shared at Making Memories Mondays