EQAO is finished!  

The kids worked really hard!  Way to go!

We just need to finish a questionairre and we will do that on Thursday.  If your child is away, he/she can complete it on Monday.

EQAO TIPS

BEFORE EQAO

1. Don't worry!  Try your very best, and you'll do just fine!  A lot of students actually have fun writing EQAO and are sad when it's over!

2. You can't really 'study' for EQAO, but we will practice doing similar questions in class. We will briefly review what we learned this year as well (e.g., what we learned in math, how to write a letter, how to write a story, etc.).

2. Get a good night's sleep before the test.  You need to be well rested so you can think and do your very best.

3. Have a good, healthy breakfast in the morning!  Bring healthy snacks and a healthy lunch.  You will be writing in the morning and the afternoon, and you will need to have lots of energy!  Avoid unhealthy snacks.

TIPS FOR WRITING EQAO

1. Read the questions carefully.  Make sure that you are answering all parts of the question, and that you are answering the question correctly.  

REMEMBER: I can read the question to you for Writing and Math.  I can't explain anything to you, but I CAN read the questions to you.  If you don't understand a question, ask me to read it for you.  Sometimes, hearing someone else read it to you helps you understand it.

READING SUGGESTIONS

Read the text first.  Take your time, and think about what you are reading. If the text is confusing, and/or you do not fully understand it, read it again.  

REMEMBER TO READ THE QUESTIONS CAREFULLY.  They are also testing your ability to read and understand the question!  They will often ask you to include examples from the text, and sometimes, your own ideas.  Remember to include examples and to provide your own ideas, if asked.

EXAMPLE:  How does Elijah feel at the end of the story?  Use examples from the text, and your own ideas.

ANSWER: I think that Elijah feels ________________________.  An example from the text to support my thinking is when he ____________________________.  

I also think that he would feel ______________ because __________________.

When you are finished answering a question, go back and read the questions again, and then read your answer.  

Ask yourself: Did I answer what was being asked?  Did I include examples and my own ideas (if asked).

TIP!  Try to include the question in your answer.

EXAMPLE: How do you know that Adam is a wise person?  Provide examples from the text to support your answer.

ANSWER: I know Adam is a wise person because in the text he...    Another example that proves he is wise is when he...

WHAT WILL I BE ASKED TO WRITE?

In the past, students were asked to write a short narrative, a friendly (sometimes persuasive) letter, an announcement, and/or a procedure.

WRITING SUGGESTIONS

1. Read the question carefully!  Make sure that you are answering all parts of the question.  If you don't understand the question, ask me to read it to you.

2. When you are finished, read over your work.  Does it make sense?  Did I remember to include capitals, periods, and commas?  Did I check my spelling?  

MATH SUGGESTIONS

1. MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Read the question carefully.  If you don't understand the question, ask me to read it to you.

2. Cover the answers and answer the question.  Once you have an answer, then look for it.  You can usually use a scrap piece of paper for your calculations too!  If you would like one, just ask.

3. Never leave a question blank.  If you don't answer a question, it will be marked wrong. If you're not sure, guess.  I will give you some strategies at school on how to guess.

2. WORD PROBLEMS

1. Read the question carefully.  If you don't understand it, ask me to read it to you.  Ask: What do I know?  What do I need to find out?  What strategy will I use (e.g., t-chart, pictures, working backwards, multiplying / dividing / addition / subtraction, etc.). 

2. Remember to SHOW YOUR WORK.  Don't just write the answer.  You can get the wrong answer, but if all your thinking is there, you could still do very well!  

3. Organize your thinking.  Be neat. Make sure they can read and understand your thinking. Use a combination of pictures,  numbers (show the math), and words (explain your thinking).

4. Don't forget to write the answer!  Many students forget to write the answer.  This is very important!

WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED...

1. Go back to the beginning and review ALL of your work.  Make sure that you didn't accidentally miss a question.

REMEMBER: Once you click submit, and can't go back!

2. Please do not disturb your classmates.  If you are finished, quietly read a book at your desk.