HOW PARENTS CAN HELP CHILDREN DO THEIR BEST ON TESTS
The National Center for Youth Issues has the following recommendations for parents in helping their children have positive test experiences.
· Express confidence in your child’s ability to do his/her best
· Emphasize that while test scores are important, they are not the measure of your love and acceptance
· On test days, provide a calm, stress- free environment each morning as your child gets ready for school and allow plenty of time to avoid morning rush and anxiety
· Curtail nighttime extra – curricular activities that may interfere with your child’s regular bedtime routine.
Teach and reinforce the following test taking tips and strategies:
· Get plenty of rest each night
· Eat a good breakfast
· Have a positive attitude
· Relax… Don’t fret
· Try hard… Do your best
· Listen carefully and follow directions
· Think before you answer
· Read directions and questions carefully
· Don’t rush…work at middle speed
· Check over your work when finished
· Don’t expect to know every answer