State tests are not the easiest thing for your child to handle. Active, as opposed to anxious, parents can make the most difference in their child's studies. Engaging your child in activities that will help hone skills necessary for test success will demonstrate that you care about their performance in a meaningful way, rather than expecting your child to do it on their own.
Here are a number of practical things you can do to help your child prepare for a state-mandated standardized test.
PRIOR TO THE TESTSpeak to the TeacherCommunicate regularly with your child's teacher(s). In what ways are they helping students know what to expect on the test? What do they suggest you do at home to help your child strengthen academic skills?
Make a PlanSet regular times for homework and provide a quiet place for your child to study. Be sure he or she has access to the public library and to other resources needed for academic work: newspapers, books, and the Internet under supervised conditions. Check homework assignments and ask the teacher if there is something you or your child don't understand.
Spend Time Learning TogetherRead stories and articles and watch television programs and films together. Ask your child to do things like this:
- List the events in order.
- Tell what the piece was mostly about (the main idea or topic) or give it an alternate title.
- Discover the message of the piece (the theme).
- Talk about the author's or character's point of view.
- Discuss how things could have been different if some element of the story were changed.
- Identify unfamiliar words and figure out what they mean by looking at the context in which they're used.
Develop Prediction SkillsWhen your child is partly done reading a story, ask him or her to predict what will happen next and/or how the story will end. Ask your child to support the prediction with specific facts and details from the story.
Encourage Your Child to ReadGreat reading materials include the newspaper and news magazines. Then discuss articles that you have both read. Ask your child to distinguish between facts and opinions within the articles and talk about the author's point of view. Examine any tables or graphs accompanying the stories and ask your child to interpret them.
Understand the TestFamiliarize yourself and your child with the format of the questions on the test. You can find information about your state's test on the web site of the State Education Department. If sample questions are available online, review them with your child so that he or she does not face these sorts of questions for the first time on test day.
Make the TimeSet aside some time in your weekly routine for silent reading-turn the TV and the music off and read your own book, newspaper, or magazine while your child reads.
Education in the KitchenCook together with your child. Work with recipes to get practice dealing with fractions. Ask your child to recreate the recipe for twice the number of people or half the number of people.
Use What You've GotFind practical, every-day ways in which your child can strengthen reading, math, reasoning, and problem solving skills. For instance:
- Interpret maps as you drive or walk.
- Follow the instructions for assembling something or for programming an electronic device.
- Make and follow a budget.
- Compare prices and sizes to determine the best buys when shopping.
THE NIGHT BEFOREEase the TensionSuggest that your child relax and do something enjoyable the night before the test.
Keep Them HealthyTry to ensure that your son or daughter gets a good night's sleep followed by a good breakfast.
ON TEST DAYBe Positive, But RealisticEncourage your child to do his or her best, and to remember that he or she doesn't need to get every question right to get a good score.
Calm Your Child DownReduce anxiety about the test by drawing your child's attention to what he or she will be doing after the test and after school.
Confidence is KeyYour attitude about your child's abilities matters a great deal. Feeling confident that your son or daughter can meet the challenges of the test will go a long way to boosting his or her confidence and ability to perform well on the test.
AFTER THE TESTEven though the test is over, there is still a lot you can do. Following up with your child and his or her teacher after test day is in many ways as important as preparing for the test experience. Here are some pointers to keep in mind for the days and weeks following the test.
Talk About ItAllow your child to discuss what the testing experience was like. This is a good way for you to learn more about what he or she found challenging.
Ease the TensionIf your child is worried about her performance after the test, assure her that you will find her whatever further learning help she may need when you learn about her scores. She should not worry in the meantime.
One Student Among Many?When you receive the scores, encourage your child to avoid peer comparisons.
Communicate with the SchoolRequest a conference with your child's teacher or principal to discuss the scores and their implications.
Don't WorryMost importantly, remember that test scores on standardized exams do not determine your child's future. Scores simply highlight areas in which students are strong or need to improve, so they offer you valuable information about what further support to provide for your child. Test scores are a slim slice of the picture of your child, whose ability to succeed in life is based on a much broader range of attitudes, abilities, and opportunities.
