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No child should have to learn on an empty stomach. When students are nourished, they can focus, thrive, and reach their full potential.

If you are able, please consider donating extra food items to a school near you or supporting the United Way Care Closet. Your contribution can help provide dinner kits and essentials for young scholars and their families:
https://www.ymvunitedway.org/program/care-closets/

Together, we can ensure every student has what they need to succeed.

Care Closets - United Way United Way has Care Closets in 20 local schools that provide food, clothing, and school supplies—helping students meet basic needs and stay focused on learning.

Test Day, Slay Day: Tips to Shine in Ohio State Tests

State testing can make students and parents feel nervous. But with the right habits, mindset, and strategies, your child can feel calm, confident, and ready. Here are simple, practical ways to help your child prepare for Ohio state tests at home—and with heart.

1. Talk to the Teacher

Start by asking your child’s teacher what the main focus areas are this year. It could be reading, math, writing, or science. Teachers can let you know where your child might need extra practice and can share helpful review materials.

If you are not sure what is on the test, visit the Ohio Department of Education website. You can see sample test questions and learn what the test looks like:

https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Testing/Ohios-State-Test-in-ELA-Math-Science-SocialStudies/Sample-test-items-and-practice-tests?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Tip: Checking in with the teacher regularly can help your child focus on the right areas and avoid last-minute stress.

2. Study in Small Chunks

Long study sessions can tire out your child and make focus harder. Short reviews of 15–20 minutes are more effective. Frequent, short sessions help your child remember more and stay energized.

Homework Heroes tip: Keep a stack of flashcards in the bathroom. Kids can use “poop time” for quick review. It might sound funny, but these small moments really add up.

Other strategies for short sessions:

Mix subjects: Rotate reading, math, and science to keep learning fresh.

Active recall: Ask your child to explain answers out loud.

Mini quizzes: A few questions at a time can build confidence.

3. Build Confidence with Positive Words

Praise your child often and focus on effort, not just grades.

“You worked hard on that!”

“You remembered what we practiced, nice job!”

“You are getting better every day.”

Empowerment phrases for your child to say daily:

“I got this, no sweat.”

“I’m locked in and ready.”

“I’m a problem-solver, watch me.”

“I’m the MVP of this test.”

“I stay fly and focused.”

“I am ready and calm.”

“I can do this, one question at a time.”

“I breathe, focus, and flow.”

Create a Confidence Rhyme:
Parents and students can make a short rhyme together. Saying it often helps the brain believe it and builds confidence. Example:
"I’m focused, my mind is clear,
Answers come, no need to fear.
I stay ready, I’m in the zone,
Each question I face, I own."

4. Use Music to Boost Focus and Confidence

Music can be a powerful tool to help your child focus, calm nerves, and feel confident before a test. Encourage your child to pick a “theme song” to listen to while studying or right before the test.

How it helps:

Rhythms and beats can improve concentration.

Uplifting lyrics boost confidence and motivation.

A consistent pre-test song can become a mental cue for focus.

Examples of songs to try:

“Keep Risin’ to the Top” – Doug E. Fresh

“You Can’t Stop Me” – Andy Mineo

“Keep On Movin’” – Soul II Soul

“Conqueror” – Estelle feat. Jussie Smollett

“The Champion” – Carrie Underwood feat. Ludacris

“Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor

“Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey

“We Will Rock You” – Queen

“Hall of Fame” – The Script

Tip: Let your child create a short playlist for study time or pre-test energy. Even 5–10 minutes of their theme song can boost focus and mood.

5. Calm Test Jitters with Visualization and Breathing

Feeling nervous before a test is normal. But your child can learn to calm their mind with practice.

Visualization Example 1:
Close your eyes and imagine sitting at the desk, taking a deep breath, and moving through each question easily. Picture smiling and feeling proud at the end.

Visualization Example 2:
Picture doing a favorite activity, like playing basketball, drawing, or listening to music. Imagine walking into the test room with that happy, confident feeling.

Breathing Exercise:

Breathe in through the nose for 4 seconds

Hold for 2 seconds

Breathe out through the mouth for 6 seconds

Repeat 5 times

This helps slow the heartbeat, relax the body, and clear the mind.

6. Use Healthy Habits for Focus and Rest

The brain works best when your child is healthy, hydrated, and rested.

Eat smart: Salmon, walnuts, and blueberries help memory and focus.

Drink water: Even mild dehydration makes thinking harder.

Peppermint mints: Studies show peppermint can boost alertness and memory. Smelling or tasting peppermint before studying or on test day can wake up the brain.

Sleep well: Kids need 8–10 hours of sleep. Turn off screens 30 minutes before bed. Reading or stretching can help relax.

Move the body: Short walks, stretching, or dancing boosts energy and focus.

Quiet time: A few minutes of calm breathing or silence can lower stress.

Final Encouragement

Remind your child that tests do not show their worth. They only show what your child has learned. Suggest replacing the word “test” with “sample”. Your child is simply giving a sample of what they know. This small change reduces pressure and reinforces that learning is about progress, not perfection.

Written by Homework Heroes LLC

Empowering families across Ohio through advocacy, academic support, and confidence coaching.
📞 330-397-6761

education.ohio.gov

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Are you a parent of a special education student who does not agree with the evaluation that was done at the child school?

Did you know that you can request an independent educational evaluation at the school's expense in these cases?

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"Homework Heroes has been the only affordable, and quality tutoring service that I have found to use for my clients. Their grades increased by 2 letters, and their confidence went up as well. From my interactions, I feel the tutors at Homework Heroes LLC are not only invested in the students' academics, but their well-being. I highly recommend Homework Heroes!"

Debbie from Cadence Care

Most people have more than one intelligence. What are yours? Knowing what type of learner you are goes a long way in helping to increase grades. This is the wonderful part about tutoring. We have the unique opportunity to work one on one with our scholars and hone in on what works best for them.

Now's the time to get your student ready for the 2025-2026 school year? Call us today!
330-397-6761