We're in a Learning State of Mind

In less than two weeks, Lady Clara and Sir Isaac will begin taking their state tests. In preparation for this, their schools have been extremely diligent providing support and strategies so that the students will earn high scores. Today, while my son was in SOL Academy, I participated in three workshops -- one facilitated by his principle, Mrs. Reitz -- to empower me on how to further help him do well. Aimed with my pen and pad, I took lots of notes. Below are a few pointers I picked up that I'd like to pass on to you. They apply whether your child is in Virginia Public Schools, New York or wherever. Read them. Use them. And, your child is sure to do well. 1. Ask your child to show you at least five test taking strategies. If your child has options, he/she will be able to navigate around the sometimes tricky questions and go on to choose the best answer. 2. Implement a reading routine. Your child doesn't have to spend his/her entire afternoon til bedtime reading. However, if you allot a specific time reading and you adhere to that on a consistent basis, your child will know that, for example, at 5:15 pm, he/she needs to read for 20 minutes. Routines create habits and when a habit is positively formed, it reaps great results. The routine reading will position your child for success on the reading portion of the state test as he/she will be asked to read a passage, answers questions to see if what was read was remembered and explain how the answer was determined. If he/she is reading at home and practicing comprehension strategies, he/she will be go to go when test day happens. Right now, they are reading "Steve Jobs: Thinking Differently". We will be discussing the book as a family to ensure that they understand the life of the creator of the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, amongst other electronic devices. 3. Eat a healthy and hearty breakfast. When your child eats a nutritious meal in the morning, it gives them good energy and helps them to be focused for the day's learning. This is important everyday and will make a tremendous difference in test day. 4. Make a bedtime curfew. You want your child to get between eight to ten hours of sleep. That means, he/she would need to go to bed by 9 pm (at the latest). The more sleep your child has, the more he/she will be rested. When he/she is rested, your child is able to focus and learn. And, in the case of test taking time, he/she will be alert and able to answer the questions. With the support of their teachers Ms. Lock (Lady Clara) and Mrs. Whitten (Sir Isaac), along with myself, I am confident that my children with ace their state exams. I declare and decree that your child will do well on the tests and in life. Until I write you next... I'm just living the solo mommy life. Love you! Feona Sharhran Huff Visionary behind "Living the Solo Mommy Life" (TM) www.livingthesolomommylife.blogspot.com P.S. If you're on Facebook, request to become a member of the group "Living the Solo Mommy Life." Follow me on Twitter @ solomommy.