Learning to study

This was one thing that I have read about on other blogs and in other forums: Homeschoolers need to learn how to study. They need to learn how to take tests.

Yes, I nodded my head in total agreement, but did nothing about it. My oldest is a perfectionist and can be very unhappy with anything less than 100% or any form of criticism, perceived or actual. Trying to fit tests into our already busy schedule seemed daunting. Making the tests would be even more hassle.

As usual, the path of least resistance wasn't the way to go. I asked Oldest Child if she had studied before her first test for her FLVS class. Yes, she assured me. What she thought studying was, we will never know. She got a 70 on her first test despite knowing the material well. Many tears ensued. Threats were made to quit the class. Counter threats were made that may have involved the phrases such as "would you like fries with that" and "grounding for a lifetime."

Somehow we made it through to the second test. Oldest and I sat down and I showed her how to study. Well, somewhat. We didn't take notes or highlight, but we did go through each type of problem, looked at how the directions were phrased as this was a huge cause of panic in the first test, and made note of all vocabulary words. She took her test the next day and scored a 100% with plenty of time left over! Everyone was happy and she even admitted that studying definitely helped.

Fast forward to test 3. We studied together again, but she was a little less involved and more reluctant, like I was punishing her with this whole studying thing. We got through it, but I felt that it was more like dragging her along. She did make a study sheet since the chapter involved a lot of formulas. However, when she did her oral review and panicked because she wasn't sure what he was asking in the first question. I have learned once she panics, the recovery is slow. We reviewed a little more the next day just to be sure she had seen problems in different forms, but she definitely knew the information. She took test 3 and got a 91/95. Woot!

Unfortunately I can't teach "staying calm" which I think is the biggest factor in her success, but we will definitely have to work on making sure she is prepared beyond what she needs to avoid the panic moments. I hope that the mere act of taking more tests will help her and, if nothing else, at least she knows that one poor test doesn't ruin a grade because she has a solid A in the class now!