tuzor Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 What type of math is on the first grade test. The curruiculum I chose moves at a very slow pace and now I need to get ready for the exam. I am afraid if I don't do any prep work he will not be ready. Can someone give me an idea of what to expect for math and language arts. ( Will there be any writing?) I am really concered about math though what type of addition and subtraction facts is there borrowing and carrying etc. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Here's the thing: You should do the kind of math you think is best for your dc, not what will be covered on a standardized test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 First, I will tell you how I view yearly testing: a necessary evil. :D I don't dread it, put much stock in it, or prep for it. I already know what they need to work on, so basically it's just fulfilling our state's requirement. Now, a few questions for you. Are you required to test in 1st grade? I've never tested a 1st grader, but if I did, I don't think I'd use the ITBS. It's a pretty long test. I'd probably go with something easier to administer, like the CAT or Woodcock Johnson. Is there a reason you chose the ITBS? Are you administering the test yourself? Please don't stress. There won't be any writing on the ITBS. It's a standard fill-in-the-circle test. There will be things he knows and things he doesn't know. That's a given. People are not allowed to tell you what's on the test. I'm not sure, but there *might* be a practice test you can do. Honestly, though, I hope you won't even go there. Really. Just let him do his best, send it in, and move on. :grouphug: It will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth S Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Below 3rd grade, much of the ITBS is done orally. The proctor reads the question, and the child chooses from 4 small pictures to find the correct answer. We don't start annual ITBS testing at our house until 3rd grade. We use this series as test prep. http://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Test-Practice-Grade-1/dp/1577687213/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1329934157&sr=8-5 Please don't stress out about it, MAINLY for your child's sake . . . and for the future tests that are in the future. Maybe have a special treat after each day's testing. We spread it out over (at least) a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freesia Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 I doubt that there is any carrying/borrowing on the first grade test. That is a second grade concept according to most curriculum. If I am remembering correctly the second grade ITBS only has adding/subtracting with regrouping to the tens digit. I use Scoring High on the ITBS to get an idea of what is on the test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuzor Posted February 22, 2012 Author Share Posted February 22, 2012 First, I will tell you how I view yearly testing: a necessary evil. :D I don't dread it, put much stock in it, or prep for it. I already know what they need to work on, so basically it's just fulfilling our state's requirement. Now, a few questions for you. Are you required to test in 1st grade? I've never tested a 1st grader, but if I did, I don't think I'd use the ITBS. It's a pretty long test. I'd probably go with something easier to administer, like the CAT or Woodcock Johnson. Is there a reason you chose the ITBS? Are you administering the test yourself? Please don't stress. There won't be any writing on the ITBS. It's a standard fill-in-the-circle test. There will be things he knows and things he doesn't know. That's a given. People are not allowed to tell you what's on the test. I'm not sure, but there *might* be a practice test you can do. Honestly, though, I hope you won't even go there. Really. Just let him do his best, send it in, and move on. :grouphug: It will be fine. My husband only agreed to homeschool if we used a standardized test yearly. I administered exam to son last year but was thinking of allowing him to take the test with someone else. (Not sure that I will do that as I feel that he will stay on task better with me.) So last year Kindergarten we had to do an exam which was awful. My poor son was miserable but I have to do it. I chose ITBS because it was one of the better known exams. Last year I did not prep, and ds did a great job. This year though hubby says he would like to see me do some prep so I looked through some books from The Critical Thinking Company which say they help get children prepare for standardized exams. I was shocked when I looked at the information covered in first grade and so now I feel scared and panicky. So I ordered some of the material a math and language arts book $60 which is quite expensive. (what a waste) But now I have several months to cover material that I did not think I would need to cover this year. Oh dear, I am trying to be calm but I am stressing out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 :iagree: Don't stress yourself or your student over the test. Learn to fill in the bubbles and give it your best shot. If testing is mandatory for you, B&N has test prep books or you can purchase them on-line. There is a series, Scoring High On The ITBS if you need test prep, but it's not necessary for most students. I can post a link if anyone needs it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 My husband only agreed to homeschool if we used a standardized test yearly. I administered exam to son last year but was thinking of allowing him to take the test with someone else. (Not sure that I will do that as I feel that he will stay on task better with me.) So last year Kindergarten we had to do an exam which was awful. My poor son was miserable but I have to do it. I chose ITBS because it was one of the better known exams. Last year I did not prep, and ds did a great job. This year though hubby says he would like to see me do some prep so I looked through some books from The Critical Thinking Company which say they help get children prepare for standardized exams. I was shocked when I looked at the information covered in first grade and so now I feel scared and panicky. So I ordered some of the material a math and language arts book $60 which is quite expensive. (what a waste) But now I have several months to cover material that I did not think I would need to cover this year. Oh dear, I am trying to be calm but I am stressing out. Oh wow, that's a whole different issue then. Is there any way you can sit down with your husband and explain how stressed this is making you and your son? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuzor Posted February 22, 2012 Author Share Posted February 22, 2012 (edited) Well I canceled my $60 order for Critical Thinking products now I will look at Soaring High $30 seems more reasonable. Edited February 22, 2012 by tuzor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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