1. Make sure your child is on time and at school every day of the testing window. If your child has a fever and vomiting please notify the school of their illness and discuss make up dates. Please DO NOT schedule doctors’ appointments during the test date window.
2. Provide an opportunity for lots of rest the night before the test. Sleep, Sleep, & Sleep = A Healthy Brain! Have a set bedtime and wake-time.
3. Provide a healthy breakfast. Less sugar and higher fiber is best! Protein = long term energy!
4. Provide Encouragement! Encourage your child to work hard. The test is only one measure of academic performance.
5. Try not to Panic! Remind your child not to be scared. Remind your child not to get frustrated. Remind them that relaxed = better performance!
6. Top Performers… Read the test directions. Read each question carefully. Fill in the bubbles completely. Read every possible answer. Reread when necessary.
7. Relax – Don’t Rush! Pace to finish but not to hurry. Rushing increases mistakes. Skip difficult questions. Don’t spend too much time on one question. Use any remaining time to check your answers.
8. Blow off some steam! Your child has been sitting most of the day. They will need to let out a little energy.
9. Celebrate! Do something to celebrate your child’s hard work and effort. Show you love them NO matter what the test scores.
10. Test Anxiety... Share and discuss feelings of anxiety. Talk about the test in a positive way. Encourage his/her best efforts.