Parents are always asking us how to help their child do well on the Missouri Assessment Program. Well, that’s a hard question to answer, really. Because of the way the MAP is designed, it isn’t a test to be studied for. It’s more of a thinking/problem-solving/explain-your-thinking kind of thing.

But don’t fret. I saw you fretting, and I won’t have it. There are some things you can do to help your child be more at ease with these kinds of questions.Here are a few ideas:

1. The MAP is peppered with questions asking your child to be able to explain his thinking. Whenever it makes sense, start asking the same kinds of things at home. It doesn’t have to be difficult. For example, at the grocery store, ask your child why he chose the sugar-laden cereal over Shredded Wheat. I know, the answer is obvious, but it’s the explaining that matters. Some of the "explain your thinking" items on the MAP are equally obvious, and this can trip up the over-thinker.

2.   The MAP is heavy on problem-solving. So, when a situation arises, allow your child to solve a problem or two. Personally, I struggle with this. It is much simpler and quicker for me to tell my daughter what the answer is than to wait for her to trudge her way through it. For example, when dying Easter eggs yesterday she came up with the idea to do three-colored eggs but couldn’t figure out how to make that middle ring. For me, easy peasy. But it took some thinking on her part to come up with an answer, and some trial and error as well. In the long run, a few icky brown eggs were worth the effort.

3. Instead of answering questions your child comes to you with, try to get her to think a little first about what could be the answer. This is a little tricky, because if I batted all of Liv’s questions in this manner, she’d soon stop coming to me. She’s curious, but not a glutton for punishment. So pick and choose, and answer some, but make them do some thinking on their own.

Here are a few inside tips. The MAP is graded by real people. For many answers, there are several parts. Just because the answer to a question is wrong doesn’t mean it will be scored as totally incorrect. Therefore, make sure your child knows to show all his work and communicate his ideas. If the answer is wrong, but the thinking to that answer makes sense, he’ll get partial credit. Also, wording on the MAP can be tricky. This is intentional! For example, children are used to a certain type of question, like multiple choice, where they find the one correct answer. The MAP will flip this around, asking “Which does NOT make sense?” Only they don’t make that NOT so big. So tell your child to read directions very carefully and make sure they are answering the question that is being asked.

But finally, be realistic. At the end of the day, the MAP is important, but not important enough to have an anxiety attack or stomach ache over. Find the balance between stressing the importance of doing well and stressing the importance of keeping it in perspective. And, when you figure out how to do that, let us know so we can give you awards and copy off of you.

By Sharon Linde, Education Blogger for SmartParenting