As the school year begins to come to a  close many students will begin Standardized Testing.  Whether they are in Elementary, Middle, or High School this is something that we should teach our children to prepare for.  What is a Standardized Test?  Standardized Testing is any test in which the same test is given in the same manner to all test takers.  This permits more reliable comparison of outcomes across all test takers. 

As parents it is our job to help our children prepare for standardized testing, whether we believe on its outcome or not.  Here are a few tips on how to prepare your child for these types of tests.

Before the Test:                                                                                                                                        

• Encourage your child to attend school and do not let them miss if it’s not necessary.  Teachers cover a lot of materials throughout a school day, especially during testing time.
• Keep things positive!  Do not speak poorly or negatively about standardized testing.  Remember your child has to take the test no matter what, so it makes no sense to share your negative feelings and add an extra burden on them.  Keep your thoughts to yourself!
• Help your child understand the information that they are learning in the classroom.  There is a reason why teachers emphasize on certain topics, especially when preparing the students for an upcoming standardized test.
• Sit down with your child when completing homework.  Answer any questions they may have on an assignment.  Check out my guest post on 10 Tips on Making Homework Fun for more tips on homework.
• Read outloud with your child no matter their age.  Not only does reading outloud teach your child that reading is important, but it will also help develop vocabulary skills.
• Complete practice test run with your child at home.  You can purchase or ask the teacher for review sheets that you can complete at home with your child.  This will also help them on what to expect on the day of the test.
• Learn your child’s weakness and create a plan to help them improve.  This could include completing some extra practice sheets or reading extra materials on a specific subject.
• Talk to your child on what to expect the day of the test.  Let them know to stay calm and to do their best.  Encourage them to be positive and assure  them that they know the information because it’s what they have been preparing for all year long.
• The night before the test make sure that your child gets a good night sleep.  Your child should get at least 8 hours of sleep to make sure that their body and brain has rested

The Day of the Test:                                                                                                                                

• Make sure that your child eats a well balanced breakfast.  Try to eliminate sugary foods, but instead go with fruits, grains, and proteins.  Eating breakfast will fuel your child’s brain and get them ready for their big day.
• Encourage your child to do their best and express how proud you are of them.  Do not pressure your child before the exam, this will only cause stress and anxiety.
• Make sure your child arrives to school a little earlier than usual.  This will help your child stay calm and focused.  When children arrive late to standardized testing they begin to feel anxious and stressful because they have not gotten the opportunity to mentally get ready.  Arriving early will also give them a chance to ask the teachers any questions they might have and to relax with their peers.
• When they arrive home ask them how their day went and about the test.  Again, let them know how proud your are of them for doing their best!

At the end of the day Standardized Testing is something that our children will do more than several times while attending school.  Making sure that they are prepared mentally, physically,  and emotionally is important, but letting them know how proud we are as parents could be the single most important discussion you and your child could have.

There are two lasting bequests we can give our children.  One is roots.  The other is wings.  ~Hodding Carter, Jr.