Math Test Preparation

1)     Before you begin to study, check to make sure you have all of your materials.

 

2)    Free write for 3 minutes about any concerns, worries or stresses that you feel about the test or about anything happening in your life.

 

3)     Take 3 to 5 deep breaths thru your nose with your eyes closed. Count to 5 on the inhale and to 6 on the exhale. Visualize your brain firing up for math and changing into a computer.

 

4)    Begin with the first review problem. Talk out loud  as you write down the problem, explaining to yourself the important information and the steps you’ll need to know.

 

5)     After solving the problem, STOP and move away from it for a few minutes. Take a brain break—stretch, run or walk around for 5 minutes, get some water or have a snack but ***NO TV or COMPUTER!***

--Return to the problem with a new pen color or new pencil and a new piece of paper. Check you answer as you talk (out loud) through each step.

 

6)     Now is the time to teach your method to another person, classmate, parent, friend, or sibling. Create 2 problems for them to solve. You must do these problems too and then compare answers with the other person.

  

7)     Set aside 30 minutes before you fall asleep   to review your practice problems one more time, talking (out loud!) through the steps. Close your notes, fluff up your pillow, close your eyes, and feel the pride and excitement of being prepared for the test. As you fall asleep, relaxed, your brain will begin moving and massaging the information throughout your memory all night long. Our brains are actually able to work harder when we sleep if we study what we need to know before closing our eyes for the night—don’t ask how or why, just try it and thank the scientists who figured this all out!