PLEASE BE SURE TO SEE THE NOTE THAT WAS SENT HOME TODAY. THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL RECOMMENDATIONS THERE FOR YOUR CHILD SO THAT THEY CAN DO THEIR BEST ON THE EXAM!
Dear Fourth Grade Parents,
The Fourth Grade ELA State Exam is being administered statewide the week after Pesach break. In our class we will be taking the exams on Wednesday, May 4th, Thursday, May 5th, and Friday, May 6th.
Our goal is for each student to excel on their exam and to receive the highest score within their abilities. Therefore, over the past few weeks, we have been intensifying our work of preparing the children for the exam. We have done practice tests in class and for homework. Based on the results of our practice work, I am confident that the children will do well, Bezrat Hashem (with the help of Hashem).
It is IMPERATIVE that on the evenings before the exam (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights) the children get a good night’s rest. Please be sure that the children go to bed, with their school things prepared for the next day, by 8:00 pm. Each mornings before the exam, please make sure they have a good breakfast at home. Hungry children do not perform well. The children will also need No. 2 pencils with erasers for the exam. You can send two such pencils with your child on Tuesday morning.
For your interest, below is a chart outlining the format of the test:
Day 1
(Wed., May 4th) Book 1
Students answer 43 multiple-choice questions on comprehension of printed reading selections (7-8 passages) Time: 70 minutes
Day 2
(Thursday, May 5th) Book 2
Students answer 5 multiple choice questions and 3 short-response questions on comprehension of an oral listening selection. In addition, there will be 3-5 multiple choice questions on writing mechanics. Time: 30 minutes
Day 3
(Friday, May 6th) Book 3
Students answer 4 short written response questions and 1 Extended Compare/Contrast ESSAY on comprehension of two printed reading selections, one literary and one informational. Time: 60 minutes
Techniques you should review with your child before the exam:
RELAX.
In order to do well on the test, it is important to relax and feel positive beforehand. Children who feel nervous tend to make careless mistakes and cannot focus on their work. You can talk to your child about relaxation techniques that they can do before the test begins or during the test – ex: taking a drink of water, breathing, closing eyes, thinking positive thoughts, imagining oneself someplace special… And practice trying these techniques together. Have a drink of water, relax and enjoy reading interesting texts. Remember that you have worked hard to prepare and practice for the exam and if you concentrate and work carefully you will do very well!
MULTIPLE CHOICE TECHNIQUES WE HAVE WORKED ON: SQ4R
S: SURVEY: Do a quick survey of the text. What is the title? What are the subtitles? Are there any charts or lists? What do the graphics show?
Q: QUESTIONS: Look at the questions (except in Book 2/ Listening Section). Ask yourself WHO and WHAT is the question about? Make sure you understand what the question is asking you to do.
4R: READ, RESPOND, REREAD, and RESPOND: Read the text completely and carefully. If you think you see answers to the questions, underline the information. KEEP reading – don’t assume you found your answers already! Once you read, Respond to the questions you are sure about, checking to see that you have SUPPORT in the text. Then Reread selections that you are not sure about, and find answers to the remaining questions. Finally, check your RESPONSES to make sure you chose your BEST answer.
SHORT ANSWER TECHNIQUES WE HAVE WORKED ON:
Be sure to read the questions carefully. Who or what is the question about? If it’s a graphic organizer, what information did they already give you? Do you see the planning icon (the notepad and pencil picture)? That means you need to PLAN your answer!
ECHO! Echo the question. Never assume the reader knows what you are talking about! Write clearly in full sentences. Be sure to write at least 3-4 sentences.
DETAILS! Include DETAILS from the text to support you answer. Even when you infer, you must have details from the text that support your choice.
ESSAY TECHNIQUES WE HAVE WORKED ON:
TASKS: Read the directions carefully, and circle each task you are asked to do. Reread the directions – are you sure you understand what you are being asked to do?
PLAN: Use the information and DETAILS from the short answers to help you plan for the essay. The task is to connect the two texts, so usually making a “T-CHART” will help you compare and contrast or connect the two texts. Try to put as many details in the planning so that you have lots of information to work with.
WRITE: Each “bullet point” can usually be turned into a paragraph by echoing the question, and answering it using DETAILS and EXAMPLES from the story. Your paragraph should have no less than 3 complete sentences! Don’t forget to skip a line between paragraphs. Use your best vocabulary, and make it sound interesting! The paragraphs should read like an essay – pretend the readers have no idea what the questions were! The last paragraph should be a summary that quickly “wraps up” your essay.
EDIT WITH C.U.P.S.: Reread your answer. Does it make sense? Does it include all the information asked? Did you echo the questions in each paragraph? Did you CAPITALIZE only where needed? Did you USE words correctly and interestingly? Did you use proper PUNCTUAUTION? Did you check your SPELLING to the best of your ability?
LISTENING TECHNIQUES WE HAVE WORKED ON:
Listen carefully during the first reading. After the first reading, think: What is the genre of this text? What would be the best way to write NOTES on this type of text? Draw a four square chart that has a box for the Beginning, Middle 1, Middle 2, and End of the Story. Draw little pictures if you need to! Write only a few words, no full sentences – you just need enough o remember the details or sequence. Decide which characters need a character map (sun). Then, when answering the question LOOK BACK AT YOUR NOTES as a guide to add details and answer carefully and correctly!
GENERAL:
Always try your best, even if a question seems hard. There is always a good chance that you might get it right and for many of the questions partial credit will be given.
Use your time wisely. Do not sit and do nothing. When you are finished, if there is still extra time left, read the questions again and look back into the text to make sure you have chosen the best answer.
When filling in the answer sheets, make sure to be neat and not to make any extra markings on the paper.
Sincerely,
Morah Chani Okonov
Morah Nechama Dena
