Test Taking Tips for Your Child
Has your child mentioned upcoming state testing? It can be a source of anxiety, sleeplessness, outbursts, and lack of appetite from many children as this time of year is nearing closer. Today, we’d like to share a few important tips you can use In order to best support your child in minimizing anxiety levels and really give him or her an edge on being a great test taker.
Minimize family discussions about the test itself. Instead, try to focus on the academic material that your child is learning.
Prepare you student for the test by helping them organize the study material over several days so they are not cramming it all in one night.
Encourage your child to slow down and take their time. Remind him/her to re-read the material, double check their answers, and focus on each question individually. If they don’t know the answer initially, remind them they skip it as long as they are certain to revisit it before turning in the test.
Get a good night’s sleep before the test. We all know that we recall information better, can focus, and follow directions more accurately when we are rested. Even if your child does not immediately fall asleep, putting them in bed earlier offers the opportunity for quiet, alert rest too.
Fix them a good breakfast the day of the test. Food items that have a sufficient about of protein, whole grains, and minimal sugar limit a “sugar crash” during testing and keep your child properly fueled. Oatmeal, cottage cheese, eggs, yogurt, or even toast with nut butter are delicious and healthy options the morning of the test.
Get them in a good mood before school. You can talk about their favorite things, tell them a funny joke, let them know you are cheering them on, or list things they are grateful for. These strategies will reframe their mindset before walking into school for the day.
The main thing is to try not to put too much pressure on your child. Remind them repeatedly that as long as they worked hard to prepare and they do their absolute best, you will be proud of them! Encourage them to breathe if they become worried or overwhelmed. If your child presents with consistent difficulty with test taking, don’t hesitate to bring these concerns to the attention of your child’s teacher. Testing accommodations can be made as needed. You can review our blog here for more details.
Leslie Haynes, B.Ed
Inclusion Teacher, Parent Advocate, and Special Olympics Coach
leslie@collaborativecorner.org