No matter what your feelings are about standardized testing, it is a part of our educational system that is here to stay. I always tell my kids that it is not mine to take away the hard things in life, but it is my job as their mother to love them through it!
Some practical and useful test-preparation suggestions have worked wonders with my students, as well as my own kids, over the years. If your children (or you!) have some apprehension about the upcoming testing season, some of the following tips may resonate with your family.
One month (or more) before the test…
Taking the time to make education a priority is the firm foundation that your child needs to be successful with his education in general, which will only lead to better scores on standardized tests. As parents, it is important to model valuing a good education.
Maintain good study habits:
- Make sure your child has a clear understanding of homework expectations before he leaves class.
- Encourage your child to maintain a record of class assignments. Many teachers/schools use planners for this purpose.
- Create a workable study schedule and provide a quiet, well-lit area for homework.
- Keep an open line of communication with teachers and ask for weekly updates on work completion if that is an issue for your child.
- Encourage your child to ask for help if she does not understand something.
- Periodically review notes, past assignments and past tests with your child to aid in retention of the material.
- Encourage independence with homework projects.
• Maintain good class attendance. Consider making appointments and taking trips during regularly scheduled “no school” days.
• Get to know your child’s teachers. Attend parent/teacher conferences and ask for feedback on your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Encourage reading as much as possible, and especially for pleasure. Reading influences performance in ALL subjects, not just the language arts.
• Note test dates on your calendar, as these are likely available well in advance. Schedule appointments, etc. around these dates.
Two weeks before the test…
This is the time for practice, before your child becomes too anxious right before the test. Practice, modeling and role-play will work to prepare him/her mentally for the tasks ahead. Saying “this is what worked for me when I was a kid” helps your child know that everyone goes through this, and they can be successful too!
Go over test-taking tips with your child:
- Read and follow all directions carefully.
- On multiple choice questions, read the WHOLE question before looking at the answer choices.
- On a reading passage, read the questions BEFORE reading the passage.
- Cross out answers you know are wrong.
- If allowed, highlight or mark reading passages when you find relevant information.
- Never leave any questions blank.
- Don’t spent too much time on one question. Mark it and come back to it if there is time.
• Practice timed tests at home to get your child used to a time limit. Many websites let you print math facts, reading passages, etc. Start with a longer time (10-20 minutes) and work your way down to shorter times.
• Ask your child’s school whether water bottles, snacks or gum is allowed during the test. Some children do much better if these are made available.
The night before…
This is the time for relaxation. And sleep, lots of sleep…
• Arrange for physical activity earlier in the day. This will result in a better night’s sleep for your child.
• Review relaxation strategies to use during the test. Deep breathing (quietly) or imagining a peaceful place are tried and true methods.
• Encourage your child to think positively. Remind him/her that anxiety is normal.
• Did I mention sleep? You child needs a good night’s rest for better memory recall. Studies have shown that getting more sleep produces better results than staying up all night studying!
The day of…
Now is the time to keep your conversation light and off the test. As tempted as we are as parents to cram down all those last minute tidbits, it is important to keep your child in a relaxed state of mind.
• Serve a healthy breakfast with protein for optimal brain efficiency. Make sure the meal is not too heavy, and avoid foods that are high in sugar.
• If your child is ill, PLEASE do not send him or her to school. The school has make-up testing dates just for this purpose.
• Have your child wear comfortable clothes in layers.
• Arrive at school on time or just a bit early. Rushing will just add to the anxiety level.
• Send your child off with a positive thought and hug, and remind him or her that you are proud no matter what!
Afterward…
Whew! You loved them through a stressful time in their lives, now what?
• Plan a treat for the night or day after the test. Having something to look forward to always helps us through stressful situations!
• Have realistic expectations. This is only one measure of your child’s academic progress.
• Complement your child’s effort, not the score. Saying “I am proud of how hard you studied” emphasizes this.
• Discuss the results openly with your child in a positive way. Always pair something to work on with something he/she did well.
Courtney Moffitt is an elementary school teacher in Shawnee and a mother to two test takers and one future test taker.
Basic Healthy Brain Strategies for Everyday Homework Time
• Before beginning homework, provide your child with a snack that is a protein. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, because spiked sugar levels inhibit brain function.
• Incorporate motor breaks throughout homework time. Motor activity activates the brain; allow kids to complete a “brain break” exercise!
- 10 jumping jacks
- 10 cross crawls
- Jump on a trampoline for two minutes
- 10 sit-ups as fast as possible
- Jump and reach for the stars 10 times
- Hop on one foot for 10 seconds
- Jump rope for 30 seconds
- 10 push-ups
- Dribble a basketball for 30 seconds
• Utilize song and motor movements when your child has to memorize a concept.
• Reduce the amount of screen time and video games. Research shows that screens of all kinds activate the area of the brain that can cause trouble with sleeping. Increase opportunities for physical activities.
• Try to eat at home as much as possible and provide high quality protein, vegetables and foods with a low glycemic index.
Have you have seen a theme? Physical activity, a healthy diet and lots of sleep are the keys for optimal brain function! These three things can really enhance your child’s ability to learn and excel in all academic areas. Standardized assessments are here to stay, so these are the best strategies to provide optimal brain health, which in turn should produce some great test scores!
Amanda Gunter, M.Ed, is studying for her PhD in brain rehabilitation. She is the director of program development for Brain Balance Achievement Centers in Overland Park, KS