Test Taking Tips for Families
Test Taking Tips for Families
- SLEEP: Make sure your child gets an ample, normal amount of sleep the night before the test. Being rested is important.
- PREPARE: Mark testing days on your calendar to help remind you and your child when the test will take place and plan preparations. Work with teachers at your child's school to find materials to work on at home in preparation for the test.
- EAT WELL: Make sure your child eats a nutritious and filling breakfast. Avoid high sugar cereals, which can make a student hyper and/or unfocused.
- REVIEW: Set aside time in advance of the test to review the concepts that will be covered.
- ARRIVE ON TIME: Make sure your child is on time, if not early, the day of testing. Set a back-up alarm to avoid the possibility of oversleeping.
- ELECTRONICS: Students are not allowed to have electronic devices on testing days. Please do not send any electronic devices, including smart watches, fitness trackers, tablets, etc. ALL phones must be turned off and in backpacks.
WORKING WITH STUDENTS WHO ARE ANXIOUS ABOUT TESTING
- Have your child visualize success. Encourage them to rehearse what it feels like to get a good score.
- Work with them to focus on breathing. Stress is often caused by insufficient oxygen to the brain. Remind them to take time before the test to take deep, cleansing breaths, exhaling slowly. This can also help during the test if they begin to feel anxious.
- Encourage your child to review the night before the test, but avoid cramming. Cramming is rarely, if ever effective. A longer, more systematic schedule of short reviews will prepare the student better.
- Keep a positive attitude about testing in general around your child and emphasize their ability to demonstrate what they have learned rather than the consequences of not passing.