1St Grade Guessing Answers on Homework and Important Test!!

A.,

Don't sweat it. He'll do fine. In the first grade, the teacher reads each of the questions and each of the answer choices to the students. This IS an important test, but you have to remember that these teachers want your child to do well as much as you do. I have a child in 2nd grade, one in 4th grade, and one in 5th grade who will all be taking the CRCT next week. The only one that I'm really a little worried about is the 5th grader because she has to pass the reading & math sections of the test to pass the 5th grade - if she doesn't pass it, she'll have to attend summer school & take the test again. If she doesn't pass it the 2nd time, she'll be retained in the 5th grade. The only 2 grades that are affected like that are 3rd & 5th. I wouldn't worry so much about this test in 1st grade, really. You really should relax about it, too, so that your child doesn't get some test anxiety about having to take it. I find that if I'm relaxed and ok about the test, then so are they. Have faith in your teachers that they've taught your child what he needs to know!

In first grade they read the questions to them. It's hard for them to absorb the question and answers when they read it themselves. Try reading him the question and all of the answers. Let him answer all and then go back over the test when he is done. Explain why what he did wrong and why. Positive re-enforcememt always works for my first grader and treat!!!!
Good Luck and make it fun for him!

LOL, I know this seems serious now, but it's OK My son did the same thing. The children don't actually have to pass the CRCT until they are in the 3rd grade and then again in the 5th grade. All of the school participates in the test as practice. This is to evaluate what they have learned, but it will not count against him or prevent him from moving up. When the tests are scored, it will be very obvious that he was just guessing (They often repeat the same questions). They will then determine that he needs to work on his reading and test taking skills. Let him do what he will do, it's the only way the school can assess the problem and help him with it.

I understand the stress, my children are 3rd and 5th grade students. If they don't pass they don't move up to the next grade. Even at 11 and 9 it's hard to express to them how important the CRCTs are this year, but at least they know what to expect from taking all those practice tests!

I have an 8 year old daughter who does the same thing. I make her for the math write out all eight problems and show me the work. I know this sounds pretty hard, but for the reading and S.S stand beside him while he reads out loud. I say that it is hard because I have a 4 and 2 year old as well and we all know if your attention is on one the other two are mischeif. lol When your son takes the test next week just pray that he doesn't rush there. Sometimes failing is how we learn lessons. I hope this helps. I just wanted you to know there is someone else dealing with the same thing.

I was a third and fourth grade teacher for six years and often had students who would guess at homework and tests just to finish quickly. Try rewarding him at home by using a sticker chart or an incentive that he really likes. I would also talk to his teacher about the problem, that way he is getting the same reward or incentive to try on his work at school and at home. The teacher may have some other suggestions, too. Hope this helps!

I noticed alot of ur answers rely on the teacher or school to deal with the problem but I praise you for having concern and trying to be on top of him and teaching him that doing that is just not ok for now. If you know an he knows that he really could get them right but is guessing then you need to continue staying on top of him and get to the root of the problem. If he is doing it just to get done faster then explain to him that doing is faster isn't doing him any good b/c he still has to sit there and wait for everyone else to finsih. He could also have trouble understanding the questions and just guesses b/c he doesn't want to ask for help or come to terms with his problems....like alot of other boys do. If he continues after all of ur efforts then maybe you can get him a tutor? Maybe if he feels confident about knowing the answers he will try more on the test.

I am a teacher who gives the CRCT!! I am curious, when they practice in class--are they reading it by themselves or does the teacher read aloud the questions and answers? I ask because in the 1st grade, the teacher will read everything except the actual reading passages to the students. They will be reading the questions and answers. I often see many teachers practice the CRCT without reading the answers and choices to the student. Is his teacher practicing by reading it like she will on the test or were they doing it independently? that may have made a difference? Also, 1st grade year its not a "critical" year--meaning if they pass they can still move up a grade. However, in 3rd and 5th grade, they have to pass to go on. Maybe the thought of not moving on to the next grade may motivate him!!

I wish you the best of luck!!