Beginning in third grade, Florida students must complete the
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Third
graders are tested in the areas of Reading Comprehension
and Mathematics. Each year, parents and students wonder
what they can do at home to prepare for the test, usually
given during the first week of March. Third grade students
must score at a certain level in order to be a candidate for
promotion. Here are some suggestions:
1. First and foremost, a good night's sleep and breakfast are
essential for success in any endeavor. It's hard to
concentrate when you're counting the minutes until snack
time!
2. As simple and obvious as it sounds, talk to your child
about their worries or fears. Most worries dissipate when the
children see the actual test and realize that it is just what they
were expecting, a fair test assessing the areas of math and
reading. It is normal to fear the unknown, but reassure your
child that they have all the tools necessary to succeed. Good
test takers will read carefully and thoroughly, take their time,
check their work, and always try their best.
3. Have your child read each and every night for pleasure. I
cannot stress this enough! Feel free to read higher level
books to them, so they can learn to follow more complex plots
and acquire new vocabulary alongside their greatest teacher
ever - you!
4. Test Prep books and websites are often helpful. Fun sites
such as www.bookadventure.com or www.funbrain.com
combine entertainment and learning. FCAT Explorer, the
Department of Education prep site, is another wonderful
resource, but requires a password and student ID to enter. I
have not yet gotten any information as to the student IDs, so
we will have to wait to access this site.
For more information about the FCAT, click on the link below.
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Third
graders are tested in the areas of Reading Comprehension
and Mathematics. Each year, parents and students wonder
what they can do at home to prepare for the test, usually
given during the first week of March. Third grade students
must score at a certain level in order to be a candidate for
promotion. Here are some suggestions:
1. First and foremost, a good night's sleep and breakfast are
essential for success in any endeavor. It's hard to
concentrate when you're counting the minutes until snack
time!
2. As simple and obvious as it sounds, talk to your child
about their worries or fears. Most worries dissipate when the
children see the actual test and realize that it is just what they
were expecting, a fair test assessing the areas of math and
reading. It is normal to fear the unknown, but reassure your
child that they have all the tools necessary to succeed. Good
test takers will read carefully and thoroughly, take their time,
check their work, and always try their best.
3. Have your child read each and every night for pleasure. I
cannot stress this enough! Feel free to read higher level
books to them, so they can learn to follow more complex plots
and acquire new vocabulary alongside their greatest teacher
ever - you!
4. Test Prep books and websites are often helpful. Fun sites
such as www.bookadventure.com or www.funbrain.com
combine entertainment and learning. FCAT Explorer, the
Department of Education prep site, is another wonderful
resource, but requires a password and student ID to enter. I
have not yet gotten any information as to the student IDs, so
we will have to wait to access this site.
For more information about the FCAT, click on the link below.
| About the FCAT |
This picture is from our annual "ROCK THE
FCAT" party! It's one of the most fun times of
the year!
FCAT" party! It's one of the most fun times of
the year!
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