| In This Issue | |
Test Taking Tips and Resources
Around the Web
From the Blog
Learn the Books of the Bible in 10 Minutes
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See Times Tales in Action!
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Grocery Cart Math
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The fun, easy,
practical way
to practice
math skills.
Download a preview HERE.
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Teach your child
in the classical style and have fun at the same time
with Writing Tales
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Hi everyone,
I hope you are finally enjoying some warmer spring weather and the ability to do some gardening or take advantage of nature walks. If so, why not let the bright floral colors be the inspiration you need to create one of these lovely color poems.
If you're like us, this time of year involves preparation for annual testing. In our states, we're required to test annually, but are not required to submit the scores anywhere. My kids may be odd, but they actually enjoy the testing process. Of course, we do it at home, so it's not as anxiety-producing as it could be. And I enjoy seeing the results and learning where we're doing well and what areas I need to give a bit more attention.
For those of you who might want your students to do a little brush-up before your annual testing, or those who haven't tested before and may have questions, we've filled this newsletter with aids and answers.
And since we realize the importance of a student having a firm grasp of their multiplication facts, especially in timed testing situations, we're offering a 20% discount on Times Tales, this week only with the code TESTTIME. In fact, we're going to have all our Trigger Memory products on sale this week AND if you write "free priority shipping" in the comments when you check out, we'll mail them priority so you have them right away.
Also, if you have a moment, you might check out some of the excellent reviews Times Tales has garnered recently:
Nicole from Some Call it Natural Five Kids and a Dog Eddie at The Usual Mayhem
Thanks everyone!
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Test Time!
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Here are a few tips and pointers regarding annual testing.
Make sure your student knows they can't "fail" this test and that the purpose is simply to analyze educational strengths and weaknesses.
The most common tests are:
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) Top-rated, and considered one of the most difficult tests. Must have a 4-year baccalaureate degree to administer.
- Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) Top-rated, strict requirement for administration of the test.
- California Achievement Test (CAT) Parents administer and send in for scoring.
- Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) Test includes a professional critique.
- Personalized Achievement Summary System (PASS) Developed specifically for homeschoolers on grades 3-8. This test is un-timed and parent administered. Learn more.
You can read more about each test here. I purchase our CAT tests from Seton Testing, but you can do a web search for the specific test you're interested in.
Working through practice tests are a great way to become comfortable with testing styles and format. The more comfortable your student is with the process, the better they are likely to do. Spectrum Test Prep books are available in most major book stores and do a great job of readying your student. You'll easily identify areas that you may not have covered or that your student is experiencing difficulty in. These can be a great measurement tool for homeschoolers in states that don't require annual testing.
Below are some helpful online resources as well.
Internet4Classrooms offers a great listing of review and practice resources. For example, the fourth grade resources includes links to several helpful math sites such as Houghton Mifflin's Test Prep Practice (categorized by chapter), Brain Teasers (to develop critical thinking) and Math Playground. Just click the appropriate grade level in the sidebar to find resources for your specific needs. If you're unsure of what level your student is working at in math, Math Mammoth's placement tests are a free resource that will give you a good idea. Need some spelling help? Both Frye and Dolch have excellent sight word lists. Make sure your students have these words down and you're off to a good start.
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Around the Web
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- Ready to stock up on some good summer reading books? The Lexile Framework is an excellent tool to help your student find appropriate books at their specific reading level. You can narrow your search to include specific genres such as adventure and biography or mystery. Once you have your list of suggested reading, you'll note that many include a Google Preview where you can preview a few pages of the book to make sure it's a good fit.
- ScienceforCitizens.net is an interesting site that involves YOU in the scientific process. For instance, you can keep track of how much snow is on the ground or track first leafing, flower and fruit with Project BudBurst.
- The Federal Resources for Educational Excellence website is an AMAZING resource. Browse by subject or search for animations, primary documents, photos and videos. You'll want to bookmark this one for sure!
- The Federal Reserve offers some really neat printable bookmarks of historical figures. These are really quite impressive!
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The Social Network!
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I hope you've "liked" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. We post fun learning activities and resources each and every day! You'll find printables, recipes, crafts, educational websites and more. If you're already following, be sure and tell your friends so they can join in on the fun.
Have you missed us on the blog? If so, hop on over and check out our recent posts.
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Mnemonics for Learning the Books of the Bible
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Here's a neat video about using mnemonics to learn the books of the Bible in order. Click photo to play.
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Happy Homeschooling!
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We wish you all the best as you finish up this school year!
P.S. Watch for our Test Time Special Offer email to follow!
Dena, Jennie & Marillee
Trigger Memory Systems |
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