I know that sometimes students feel like this....but it doesn't have to be like that. Parents can help students prepare for testing...
On Test Day
Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast
Many teachers report that students who don't do well on tests haven't
gotten enough sleep, and haven't eaten breakfast on the morning of the
test. Doing both of these things will ensure that your child is working
at full capacity (Narang, 2008).
Make sure your child is prepared
Some schools may supply the tools your child needs for the test, such
as pencils, an eraser, paper, and a calculator. Others may require the
students to bring those materials themselves. Check with your child's
teacher to see if you need to provide your child with any of these
materials. Also, check to see whether you child will be able to make up
the test if she is sick on test day (Narang, 2008).
Remain positive
Staying calm will help your child stay calm. If she gets nervous
about the test or is likely to experience anxiety during the test, help
her practice some relaxation techniques that she can try once she's
taking the test (Narang, 2008).
After the Test
What about the results?
Assessments vary from test to test, but the test scores should
include information that helps you interpret the results. Talk with
your child's teacher if you have any questions about the test results.
You may also suggest that the school offer a testing information session
to parents (Narang, 2008).
Review tests with your child
Help your child review any parts of the test that she did not understand (Narang, 2008).
On a Daily Basis
In addition to these strategies, there are a number of ways that you
can maximize your child's learning capabilities throughout the school
year, which can lead to confident test-taking.
Some of these strategies include:
- Assisting your child with homework and ensuring that your child is completing all homework assignments
- Helping her to develop good study habits, thinking skills, and a positive attitude towards education from an early age
- Ensuring that your child has good attendance at school
- Staying in communication with your child's teacher
- Encouraging your child to read as much as possible, and to increase
her vocabulary - even reading magazines, newspapers, and comic books
regularly will help improve her reading skills
- Looking for educational games and programs that engage your child
- Helping your child learn how to follow directions carefully (Dietel, 2008; IRA (2002); Narang, 2008).
Finally, remember that standardized tests and grading systems are not
perfect; each format has its own limitations. As you help your child
do her best on the tests she takes and in all of her schoolwork, also
remind her that testing is just one part of her education. With your
support and involvement, she will be well on her way to her own bright
future.
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