Test-taking anxiety affects most students, but it manifests itself in different ways to different kids. Knowing the material and being able to confidently take a test on it are not always one in the same. Standardized tests can be especially intimidating because they have higher stakes than everyday exams. While there’s not necessarily a cure for the jitters, there are steps you can take to help your child prepare. Here are some ways you can help your child do well on standardized tests:
Create a Study Space
Within your home, create a quiet study space that has all the tools your child needs for their homework. Post-it notes, pens, pencils, highlighters and paper are essential. Mind the lighting in the area to make sure your child can focus and won’t doze off while studying. Allow your child to make the space their own by decorating, and encourage them to clean up the area every night so it’s fresh for their next study session.
Encourage Asking Questions
You may not always have the answers, but it’s important that your child knows they can come to you when they have questions. When it comes to everyday topics, this can help them develop a taste for learning and hone their critical thinking skills. Encouraging your child to ask questions will also make them more comfortable coming to you if they’re struggling. When they have trouble tackling academic subjects, you can help them out or find a tutor to work with them.
Take Practice Tests
The main concern children have when taking standardized tests is fear of the unknown. Practice tests can make standardized testing a lot less scary. Your child’s teacher should have these available. Start by familiarizing your child with the format, then time the tests as the big day approaches. If possible, start practicing weeks ahead of time so your child will be comfortable when the day comes.
Build Healthy Habits
Your child needs to sleep well the night before taking a standardized test and eat a filling, healthy breakfast the morning of the test. However, if they spend the whole week before the test losing sleep over it, one good night of sleep may not be enough. Encourage your child to eat healthy, exercise and sleep well to reduce stress before the test and the day of the test.
Standardized tests can be scary for students, but they don’t have to be. Preparing at home can make testing much easier. Our Orlando private school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando is more than a place to learn; it’s a community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.
