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Middle School Math Test - the childs stress and how to deal with it

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If you are the parent of a 6th or 7th grade child who's getting ready for a middle school math test, read on, this may help you:

Just knowing that they have a math test coming up can be somewhat worrysome. Just bear in mind a few things; they are not alone. Everyone else in the class has or is going through the same thing. Parents as a whole, should be aware that kids are under more stress to do well than ever before and if the parent can't see this, the kid will keep on doing what they are doing without any guidance from you! Your child will grow up without your intervention, amazing how that happens isn';t it? BUT remember, the more you help them, the more they help themselves to not only become better students, but better role models for the younger siblings or even friends around them. The power of influence is widely underestimated, use it carefully and use it wisely.

Alot of kids, well, not only kids, adults too, go through what's know as test anxiety when it comes to a middle school math test. There are some tell-tale signs to look for.

Here is just a couple of them:

  1. They say they will not do well, doesn't matter if they give 110% effort
  2. They say they feel sick or unwell as the test time approaches
  3. It seems hard for them to concentrate at home on menial tasks
  4. They do well during the rest of the school year but poorly on the tests
  5. They remember the right answers to the test AFTER the test is over


These are just a few things to watch for, there are many other symptoms along these lines and you'll see it faster now you know what to look for.

Here's a few quick remedies that might help BUT remember, every child is different. Apply your own methods, most of them are common sense but we all need reminding of what they are at some point:

  1. Positive reinforcement is key, without it, anyone will feel down and out (DUH)
  2. Help them feel they are in control, develop a test prep strategy
  3. Tell them to ignore the other students around them while taking the test
  4. Help them learn from the mistakes they made during the test, if any
  5. Make sure they get plenty of sleep the night befoer, maybe play a game with them to help them relax
  6. Listen to what they have to say, it sounds obvious but you'd be surprised at what they tell you if you open yourself up
  7. Make sure they come away from the test knowing they did 100% of what they could
  8. Make sure they have the right materials, i.e, Correct Calculator! (VERY important nowadays)


These may sound like very simple things but we, as parents, have to make sure our children can do their best in any situation, especially math . Why do I say especially math? Have you looked at 6th grade math and realized you are out of the loop and they are studying stuff you never did? Well, imagine how a 12 year old feels!!!

If you really want to help, learn what they are learning, what have you got to lose apart from quality learning time with your precious child. Get with the program whether it's Math, English or any other subject, your kids will appreciate it more than you know and you'll have a lot more to talk about and will not feel like YOU are wandering around in the dark!

I'm the proud parent of 3 kids who have at one point gone through the above scenario. I recommend doing your research, not just now as they are in 6th grade BUT before hand. My recommedation is to use the following material: Click here to see. 10/10 material!

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Word Count: 668 Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 Time: 8:59 AM


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