Study skills - A good strategy for taking tests

The DETER Strategy for Taking Tests

To do well on a test, you must have good knowledge of the information that is being tested. But you must also have a strategy for taking the test that allows you to show what you know. The DETER strategy can help you do your best on any test. Each letter in DETER reminds you what to do.

D = Directions
Read the test directions very carefully.
Ask your teacher to explain anything about the test directions you do not understand
Only by following the directions can you achieve a good score on the test.
If you do not follow the directions, you will not be able to demonstrate what you know.

E = Examine
Examine the entire test to see how much you have to do.
Only by knowing the entire task can you breakit down into parts that become manageable for you.

T = Time
Once you have examined the entire test, decide how much time you will spend on each item.
If there are different points for items, plan to spend the most time on the itemsthat count for the most points.
Planning yourtime is especially important for essaytests where you must avoid spending so much time onone item that you have little time left for other test items.

E = Easiest
The second E in DETER reminds you to answer the items you find easiest first.
If you get stuck on a difficult item that comes up early in the test, you may not get to answer items that test things you know.

R = Review
If you have planned your time correctly, you will have time to review your answers and make them as complete and accurate as possible.
Also make sure to review the test directions to be certain you have answered all items required.

Using the DETER strategy will help you do better on tests and get better grades.

Source: http://www.how-to-study.com/a-strategy-for-taking-tests.htm

Materials

Dear children,

There are so many different types of materials around us. They are fascinating to learn about.

Visit the following websites to help you learn more.

BBC revision
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/activities/materials.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/6_7/grouping_materials.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/7_8/characteristics_materials.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/5_6/sorting_using_mate.shtml

Do remember to constantly revise your work everyday. Make notes for your Science topics and make use of your mental science book.

Fun with division

Dear children,

Practise makes perfect!

Here are some interesting games to help you practise division while having fun at the same time.

1) Simple speed test on division
http://www.aplusmath.com/games/matho/DivMatho.html

2) Fun with animals while dividing
http://www.innovamultimedia.com/demos/en/ma03/ma03z014/ma03z014_index.html

3) Divider machine
http://www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/mentalmaths/dividermachine.html

4) Practising division from 1 to 12
http://www.aaamath.com/div39j-divall.html

5) Jumbled cards
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/SumSense/sumdiv.html

6) Challenging game on the divisibility of numbers
http://www.vectorkids.com/vkdivisible.htm

Have loads of fun with the games.

Love,
Mdm Chan

Microbes

Micro-organisms or microbes are amazing to learn. They can be harmful or useful towards humans. Visit the following links to find out more.

1) Interactive site on micro-organisms

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/10_11/micro_organisms.shtml

2) Enriching information on micro-organisms or microbes

http://www.biology4kids.com/files/micro_main.html

3) Informative with plenty of pictures
http://www.microbeworld.org/microbes/

Have fun!
Mdm Chan