Five ways to give your child a fighting chance on test day

At last –
the time of year when flowers bloom
and sprinklers sprout,
and kids count the days
until school is out.

But not teachers. We’re busy pushing facts and reviewing strategies and getting our students ready for the Big State Standardized Test – the one that lets us know if they learned anything, and how much they learned in comparison with other kids just like them, or not quite like them, or nothing like them at all.

Everyone seems to have an idea about how best to test. Some researchers believe more frequent testing strengthens long-term retention. Others say that too much homework leads to poor test scores because many families are not prepared to help their children address homework each evening.

However, regardless of researchers’ opinions, parents and other adults really can help children face the big test. Here are five suggestions that have proven to be the most effective at giving young test takers a fighting chance:

· The school will let you know before their standardized testing begins. Be sure your student gets plenty of rest the night prior to each test day. No late night parties, television or computer gaming.

· A good breakfast gives the brain the fuel it needs to work through the morning. Don’t let your student face the day on an empty stomach.

· Attendance during testing is critical. Schedule doctor and dentist appointments at another time of year. Your child will do better is she tests with her class rather than making up the test later by herself in the school office.

· Please see that your student arrives at school on time so he has an opportunity to use the restroom, ask questions, and begin testing with everyone else.

· Encourage him to just do his best and not stress out over the results. Remind him that everyone is faced with a test occasionally – even you. Remember how you got your driver’s license?

When test week is finally over, celebrate with a special treat – maybe a trip to the ice-cream store. Help your young ones learn that hard work has its rewards.