MEAP is upon us....

The MEAP can be a very stressful time for some students.  Others find it fun and exciting (I'm not sure I am one of those).  Still others just want to get through it as fast as they can.  Unfortunately, like it or not, MEAP is a state requirement for all 3rd-5th grade students.  The scores are assigned not only to your child, but to our school as a whole - these scores help determine our ranking on the state Top-to-Bottom list.  It is important for all of us (parents, students, and staff members) to help our students do their best.  Below are some things that can help you prepare your child for the MEAP.  We will also be doing some things at school to help.  First, the Eyler PTO will be providing breakfast for students on their test days.  Second, we will be having spirit days throughout the MEAP.  Finally, we will be providing some incentive for our students to be successful on the MEAP.

Monday (No Test) - we will BEAT THE MEAP as a TEAM - wear your favorite sports shirt or jersey!

Tuesday - Reading MEAP (3rd-5th grade) - Words on your shirt day!

Wednesday - Reading MEAP (3rd-5th grade) - Wear a button with words on it!

Thursday - Writing MEAP (4th Grade) - Write our best!

Tuesday Oct. 16 - Math MEAP (3rd-5th Grade) - Numbers on your shirt day!

Wednesday Oct. 17 - Writing MEAP (4th Grade) and Science MEAP (5th Grade) - Animal cloths day! 

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR STUDENTS COME TO SCHOOL ON TIME EACH DAY!!!

Ways you can help your child do 

their best on Testing days 

·  Learn everything you can about the test your child will be taking. Talk with her about the kinds of questions that may appear on the exam.

·Provide words of encouragement to your child, be their biggest cheerleader! Encouraging words can go a long way, slip a note of encouragement in their lunchbox or backpack and let them know you are rooting for them to do their best!

·  Watch for anxious behaviors in your child and discuss any anxiety they may be feeling about taking the MEAP.

·  Acknowledge that tests are stressful. But emphasize that, with preparation, your child will be ready for the challenge.

·  Sleep. Make sure your child gets enough sleep the night before the test, and send him off with a good breakfast. Avoid any conflicts on the morning of the test.

·  Support. Assure your child that if he's done his best, both you and he can be satisfied. 

Additional Resources available to parents:

http://www.metroparent.com/Metro-Parent/October-2011/MEAP-Test-Taking-Tips-for-Kids/  This is a great article that talks about test taking strategies to use while taking the MEAP

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/5ssrel99_94494_7.pdf

http://mmc.edzone.net/documents/debwahlstrom/Using%20MEAP%20Released%20Test%20Items%20WORKSHOP%20VERSION.pdf

This web page offers some previous MEAP questions for your child to practice.