TEST PREP TIPS

THE DAY & NIGHT BEFORE THE TEST

1. Make sure your child doesn’t go to bed angry.

2. Plan ahead to stay away from problems before the test. For example, it would help to avoid talking about a child’s overuse of the phone or avoidance of chores. Your child could stay upset about the argument and not do as well on the test.

3. Keep the rules of the house. Stopping normal discipline or upsetting the usual routine of the home may confuse your child and affect performance.

4. Consider talking about the test to reassure and encourage your child. At the same time, don’t dwell on the subject or it may cause your child to worry.

5. Let your child know that you know tests can be hard, but that taking them provides a chance to show how well he/she can do and will help the teacher understand what the child needs to learn.

6. Be encouraging! If you say “you will probably blow this.” Your child will expect failure.

7. Do something fun and relaxing. Consider playing a game like scrabble or 20 questions to help your child get into the testing spirit.

8. Make sure your child eats a nutritious dinner and gets a good night’s sleep (8:30 bed time!)

THE MORNING of the TEST

1. Get up a little early to avoid hurrying. Be on time for school.

2. Have your child eat a good breakfast, but not a heavy one.
   
   
3. Dress your child in something familiar that he or she is comfortable wearing.
   
   
4. Don’t appear unconcerned about the testing. While your child needn’t be afraid of tests, he or she needs to understand that they are important.
   
   
5. Be supportive, confident and positive when you send your child to school.
   
   

AFTER THE TEST

1. Reward your child for trying hard with a favorite dinner or special time together.

2. Talk with your child about what was learned from the test. What would he or she do differently if the test could be taken over?
   
   
3. Talk with your child about what can be done between now and the next time – such as trying harder with homework or listening more closely in class.
   
   
4. Get a copy of your child’s test scores.
   
   
5. When you get results, don’t compare your child’s score to that of your friend or neighbor’s child, this can only hurt.
   
   
6. Please do not hesitate to discuss with the teacher any questions that you or your child may have about testing.

7. Encourage your child and offer to help in his or her pursuit of learning. Keep these tips for future use!