Creative Tutors of Cypress-Fairbanks

Preparing for the TAKS II

This week’s blog is inspired by one of our parents. Those of you that email back and forth with me know that I am open and love to have conversations with good people (actually all people :)). We were talking about family, and unannounced to her, she gave us our TAKS preparation tip number 2.

Here is what she said, "...teach him self-control and respect from a young age. Teach him things that help him feel competent, not just school work, like how to fix things in the world around him, how to play tennis or golf, so when he is an adult, he will be able to take place in business/social events like that."

Follow up:

I know, how is this a TAKS tip? Well my friends, testing is not just about knowledge, but it’s about preparation for the test, confidence during the test, and one’s ability to relax before, during and after the test. What "C" (We shall call her) said to me in her quote was significant. Could it be that one of the reasons our kids struggle on the TAKS is that we have not given them proper outlets to relax and deal with the pressures of the test?

Let's be honest! There is a lot riding on this test and our children know it. Without proper outlets, people (grown people!!!!) crack under the pressure and often fail at task that are second nature to them because of the immense tension felt before, during and possibly after the moment is experienced. Our outlets allow us to relieve stress and tension which is an important part of performance.

One of my favorite teachers, Mrs. Worrell (wonder what happened to her, email me if you are reading :)), understood this about myself and other students. She was able to help us relax before test, because even in that day (as though I am ancient) she understood about test anxiety and the affect it had on her student’s performance. She knew that some of us were able to make "A"'s on the test, but without proper release of tension and stress, we were "C" students at best.

So "C", I will take your advice along with all the other readers. We will prepare our kids for the test, by helping them learn how to deal with the stress and pressures that life brings. Our job as parents and educators is not just to make a polished student, but a polished person. I believe if we do this, our performance on the test this year will be much better and we will see our children become the balanced and successful men and women we know they can become.

Categories: Parent | Permalink | 3 feedbacks »

Comments:

Comment from: Cathy [Visitor]

03/03/09 @ 08:18

I read the article about confidence and stress as it relates to performance. I think you are right. So much of a whole child's view of himself determines his anxiety level when it comes to tackling new and difficult things. I even think kids have a difficult time focusing and absorbing matierial today because they are too stressed. The harder we push as a society ( more and more, faster and faster) does not produce the best results. Try doing something tedious and fragile in nature with someone breathing down your neck... telling you to be careful, watch out! It affects your peace of mind and ability to perform well.

Comment from: john brightman [Visitor] · http://www.whoismark.com

05/25/09 @ 09:07

HI
looks very interesting!
bookmarked your blog.
john brightman

Comment from: john brightman [Visitor] · http://www.whoismark.com

05/25/09 @ 09:20

HI
looks very interesting!
bookmarked your blog.
john brightman

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Meet Johnny & Quinita Ogletree | Owners

Johnny grew up in Houston and there after receiving his graduate degree. He has spent time working with and serving families and children for over nine years, as a mentor, family therapist, and substitute teacher. Johnny earned a B.S. in Political Science and Master of Divinity at Samuel D. Proctor School of Theology. He has spent most of his time working in the community as a role model and mentor and has worked as the Pastor of Community Life for over five years. Currently working as Teen Pastor there, Johnny has a heart for children and enjoys seeing them excel and reach their full potential.

Quinita attended Virginia Union University under a Presidential Scholar Award and obtained a B.A. in Psychology and Master of Divinity from the Samuel D. Proctor School of Theology. She has recently completed work on her second Masters degree from University of Houston in Educational Psychology, and is now enrolled at Texas A & M in pursuit of her Doctorate. Quinita hails from a family of educators who have served the public for over 30 years. Quinita has worked in the field of education for over eight years, as an Assistant Director of Preschool and Christian Academy; teacher at a NAEYC accredited school, tutor, and nanny. She is a life-long learner, who is interested in seeing children enjoy excelling academically while pursing scholarly endeavors. She is passionate about equipping children with educational skills that will transform their lives and prepare them for a rewarding career. Her job requires her to develop and implement an after-school program and supervise a staff and deal directly with parents and student of all ages.