Parents, there are lots of things you can do on or immediately before test day to improve your child’s chances of testing success. What’s more, these strategies will help your child prepare himself of herself for school tests, too, and promote general study skills that can last a lifetime.
Provide a good breakfast on test day. Instead of sugar cereal, which provides immediate but not long – term energy, have your child eat a breakfast with protein or complex carbohydrate, such as egg, whole grain cereal or toast, or a banana yogurt shake.
Promote a good night’s sleep. A good night’s sleep before the test is essential. Try not to over stress the importance of the test. This may cause your child to lose sleep because of anxiety. Doing some exercise after school and having quiet evening routine ,will help your child sleep well the night before the test.
Assure your child that he or she is not expected to know all the answers on the test. Explain to your child the test may measure things that he/she has not yet learned in school. Help your child to understand that you expect him/her to put forth a good effort and that this is enough. Also avoid threats or bribes; these put undue pressure on children and interfere with their best performance.
Keep the mood light and offer encouragement. To provide a break on test days, do something fun and special after school. Take a walk around the neighborhood, play a game, read a favorite book, or prepare a special snack together. These activities keep your child’s mood light even if the testing sessions have been difficult and show how much you