The Stanford 10 Achievement Tests are untimed and in full color. The format of the test is designed to keep students focused, interested, and on track during testing blocks.
The SAT Kindergarten and First Grade Tests will include:
- Word Study Skills
- Reading Skills/Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Mathematics
- Language
- Spelling
- Social Studies/Science
- Listening
So, I am sure you are wondering how you can help prepare your child for testing! Well, honestly, we have been preparing them all year by teaching them with a full curriculum that is engaging and interactive. At Bethany, we do not have any specific test prep that would lend itself to teaching content for the purpose of taking an achievement test. We will, however, go over test taking skills. For example: how to fill in bubbles on answers and how to make dark marks so the computers can read responses. We have used some of these skills throughout the year, so it will not be foreign to our children.
When the children are tested, it will be very similar to when they take a test or quiz in school. The sub-sections will be about 15-20 minutes each. We will have a stretching break between each session and we will also have some snacks and drinks to keep up our energy.
Here is what you can do to ensure a positive experience for your child's testing week.
- Be sure to arrive at school on time. We will start first thing in the morning and if you arrive after we start, your child will miss that section and have to take it on a make up day.
- Start an early bedtime routine now. Children should be getting about 10 hours of sleep per night. If you need to, back up their bedtime by about 15 minutes each week until you are at a time that will allow for 10 hours during testing week. A good night sleep will go a long way for success in taking an achievement test.
- Eat a healthy breakfast. This meal will be the fuel for their morning. Be sure it is enough to sustain them and also good, healthy choices. Too much sugar will burn off quickly and they will crash mid-morning. Choose fruits and grains, eggs, and milk.
- Don't worry too much! They will sense your anxiety and they will become anxious too. Tell them to do their best and that will make you proud!
That's it! I know our kids are well prepared. However, every child tests differently. For some, this is their first experience with formal testing, so we don't know how they will respond. All we can do is create a positive environment and support them in their efforts.
Please let me know if you have any questions about testing. Thank you for a wonderful school year so far. Our last few weeks together will be filled with fun and adventure!