Here in Michigan, we are a few days in to the MEAP test, a mandatory standardized test for public school students in grades 3-9. As school counselors, we have a short list of tips for parents to help their children give 110% on MEAP days.
1. Get a good night's sleep. Sounds pretty simple, right? Well kind of. With the consolidation of bus routes many schools have had to stagger their start times. In the same district there may be an elementary building with a 7:45am start time and another with a 9:15am start time. The kids in these two schools should not have the same bed time. Work backwards. Look at your school's start time and subtract 10-12 hours for elementary students and 8-10 hours for middle school/high school students. This is a good tip for every day, not just a MEAP day.
2. Eat a good breakfast. The Standard American Diet tends to consist of sugary cereals and pastries. These foods tend to give a quick burst of energy but taper off quickly. The best way to get your student through the morning is to give them a more protein-heavy breakfast such as scrambled eggs or yogurt mixed with a handful of raw almonds.
3. This one will depend on your school rules. Studies have shown that chewing gum while taking a test can improve a student's test scores. Mints have also been shown to have this effect.
4. Talk about the test with your child the night before. Reassure your son or daughter that you know they will do well if they give their best effort.
5. Make school a priority in your home. This is not just a tip for test days, but one that will make every day a priority for your student.
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