FCAT is ALMOST HERE!!!!!!!

FCAT is just four days away and this is the very first post I've ever made about it! That's because I don't like to get the kids stressed out over a simple test. We have been working all year on skills that will be tested on the FCAT and this week we have spent additional time working specifically on FCAT-style questions with practice tests and computer applications, focusing on all the strange ways that the FCAT writers like to try to trick kids into picking the wrong answers (they're so devious)!

I just recently learned of a website called IXL, where children can practice literally every single math skill imaginable! It's a fun and motivating way to practice math that I wish I had learned about sooner! We have a 30 day trial of the program. We'll be using a lot of time tomorrow (Friday) to practice on the website, and then they are encouraged to keep practicing this weekend. They can also continue practicing AFTER the FCAT, but keep in mind that their points and everything will be lost after the trial runs out! :( But you can purchase a membership to the site if you like, which will allow your child to continue using it through the summer and next year as well, since the site offers skills going through sixth grade.

Anyway, here is the schedule for the FCAT tests:

• Tuesday, March 9th - Math - 80 minutes (2 40-minute blocks, separated by a brief snack and stretch break)
• Wednesday, March 10th - Math - 80 minutes (2 40-minute blocks, separated by a brief snack and stretch break)
• Thursday, March 11th - Reading - 120 minutes (2 60-minute blocks, separated by a snack and stretch break)
• Tuesday, March 16th - Science - 60 minutes
• Wednesday, March 17th - Science - 60 minutes
  

Here are a few tips to help your child do the best they can on the FCAT:

• Make sure they get plenty of sleep the night before each test (you should be doing this every school night anyway, but it's especially important when they have to take a big, long, boring test!)
• Make sure they eat a nutritious breakfast - Our brains need energy to function properly
• Try to avoid stressful situations the morning of the test
• Don't get your child worked up about the test! It's really not that big of a deal!
  
• Make sure they GET TO SCHOOL ON TIME!!!! If they arrive after testing has begun, they will be sitting in the office waiting for us to finish and will have to make up the test another day.