Tips for Success on Math Quizzes and Tests

1. Write things out.

When you feel stuck, start writing things out.

Staring at the paper or doing work in your head, usually doesn’t work.
Writing stuff down helps your brain come up with new ideas.

Use lots of extra scratch paper.

Use lots of space to come up with new ideas.
You never know what you might discover.

2. Feeling stuck is not a waste of time.

Feeling stuck on a hard problem is so frustrating!

Don’t give up.
Keep at it.
That’s all you have to do.
Keep giving the best effort that you can give.
Feeling stuck is one of the first steps to growing stronger.
It is a special and important feeling.
Keep at it.

3. Come back to the question.

Sometimes all you need is a break.

Go do a few other questions.
Come back to the current question with a fresh mind.
The brain works in mysterious ways.
Sometimes a quick break is all you need.

4. Take your time and be careful.

For quizzes and tests. For real life. For jobs. For important decisions.
The most important thing is good careful work.