Page 2 - TL Extra April 2016

2TT • FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 EXTRA ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRI-LAKES EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
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TEST-TAKING
TIPS
for the anxious student
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, test anxiety is a form of performance anxiety that can affect even the most prepared students.
For kids, test preparation should begin well in advance of a test. Cramming the night before may make students feel unprepared, while studying a week or two before the exam allows students to take a practice test.
The ADAA notes that several factors, including fear of failure and a poor test history, can contribute to test anxiety, the presence of which can make it difficult for
students to concentrate and may even cause physical symptoms such as headache and nausea. Parents of students who are anx- ious about upcoming tests can share the
following test-taking tips with their children, courtesy of the ADAA.
Prioritize preparation
Test preparation should begin well in ad- vance of the test, as cramming the night be- fore may make students feel unprepared and less confident in their knowledge of the ma- terial. In addition, studying at least a week or two in advance of the test date affords students the opportunity to take practice tests in conditions similar to those in real testing situations. That familiarity can calm any nerves they may typically experience when taking exams.
Develop an effective test-taking strategy
The ADAA recommends students answer the questions they know first before return- ing to more difficult questions. Doing so may contribute to students’ confidence and calm their nerves as they approach the rest of the test. When tests include essay por- tions, students can outline their essays before they begin to write so they have a clearer idea of what they want to say and how they want to say it.
Employ relaxation techniques
Deep, slow breaths and systematic relaxation of muscles can energize students’ bodies and make it easier for them to focus. Students can apply such techniques before exams to curb any pre-test jitters they might have and, if nec- essary, revisit these relaxation exercises during the test if feelings of nervousness return.
Get sleep and eat healthy foods before the exam
Stress and anxiety are more difficult to cope with when the body is tired, so parents should encourage their children to get adequate sleep the night before an exam. In addition, provide healthy foods for kids to eat prior to the exam so they are not lethargic or hungry once the test begins.
Don’t be afraid to seek help
Plenty of students experience test anxiety, and many schools offer programs designed to help students overcome their test-taking fears. Making use of these programs is a great way for kids to improve their test performance.
—Courtesy of Metro Creative
Stress and anxiety are more difficult to cope with when the body is tired, so make sure children get plenty of sleep the night before an exam.
ADVERTISING FEATURES
College of the Ouachitas
1 College Circle • Malvern • 501-337-5000 • 800-337-0266 • www.coto.edu
OVERVIEW
Founded in 1969, College of the Ouachitas offers some of the region’s best professional and technical programs. The college boasts top-quality faculty, caring staff, diversified programs and well-equipped classrooms.
ACADEMICS
As a comprehensive two-year college, COTO offers educational pathways for everyone. A variety of options are available to choose from, such as allied health/nursing, business, cosmetology, criminal justice, electrical and plumbing apprenticeships, and mechatronics. The college’s general education courses, including its Honors College, can launch
students toward earning a high-quality bachelor’s degree. This program is a smart choice for savvy students who want to stretch scholarship dollars, family funds and financial-aid assistance. The college also offers high school alternatives through its career center at the Malvern campus, including automotive, cosmetology, criminal justice, medical office, pre- engineering and welding programs. College of the Ouachitas at Sheridan, located at 1409 S. Rock St., allows the college to better serve the residents of Grant County. The college’s Adult Education program is available in Grant, Clark and Hot Spring counties, offering exceptional service to the students and the community.
Saline County Library
1800 Smithers Drive • Benton • 501-778-4766
201 Prickett Road • Bryant • 501-847-2166 • www.salinecountylibrary.org
OVERVIEW
A long-standing institution of Saline County, the library is constantly updating its collection and offering new services to its patrons.
The library offers classes in yoga, crocheting and computer-based skills; educational classes about everything from chickens to costume- making; and even fun programs with movies, food and gaming.
Patrons also have access to a wide variety of genealogical resources, children’s tablets, movies, cake pans, music and, of course, books.
PROGRAMS
The Summer Reading Program at the Saline County Library will begin June 6. Preregistration will take place June 1-4, and standard registration will run from June 6-30. Sign up soon to become eligible for all sorts of great prizes. The library also has a number of exciting programs lined up for all ages — role-playing games, tween and teen late nights, awesome crafts, magicians and even a day with the Arkansas Travelers mascot, Otey the Swamp Possum.