Good Evening,
This week we will begin MAP testing. The MAP test or Missouri Assessment Program, is a series of assessments for English language arts, math and science for grades 3-8. There is a MAP assessment for high schoolers. Maybe your child has expressed anxiety around this test or testing in general? If so, please check out my Tips for Testers below.
In addition, I shared a lesson about tackling test taking anxiety or ZAP the MAP! all 3rd-5th grade students. Included in that lesson were tangible strategies such as using a check list the night before and the morning of the test to be ready, and practicing helpful "go-to" calming strategies. We also covered how to change negative self-talk into positive self-talk. Ask your child about this lesson and see what they found helpful. Ask them to share their personal mantra with you. The biggest takeaway from the lesson, I hope all students heard is this: THEY ARE PREPARED! They have been learning and listening and "doing school" all year (and for many years!) and that is the preparation.
Just as important as helping our children be ready and regulated for testing, is us being regulated as their caring adults. Included tonight are some self-care ideas to help make taking care of you a priority.
As we continue our SEL learning, this week I will talk about self-management as part of the 5 CASEL core competencies. As a reminder, the 5 competencies are:
- Self-Awareness
- Social Awareness
- Self-Management
- Relationship Skills
- Responsible Decision Making
Our entire counseling team is approaching our testing window with an "all hands on deck" attitude. Since some of us will serve as proctors, we will need to be flexible in our schedules and how we see students. If your child mentions that they checked in with a counselor who is not their "typical" one, or their weekly group was not held, that is the reason.
Thanks for helping us teach flexibility and patience. We always encourage our students that if they can't speak to a counselor on a day they would like to, to seek out another helpful adult--in school or at home--to talk to instead.
Our counseling team information is listed at the end of this message. Please reach out to any of us if we can be helpful with your child.
Take care and have a great week,
Julie
