High-stakes testing is a fact
of life. Students of all ages will take standardized tests throughout their
school careers.
While some students are
naturals at test-taking, others need help to do their best.
A publication titled “Principal
Communicator” outlines four conditions that can help parents help their
children feel confident about tests.
They all start with “R”: being Receptive
Relaxed, Ready, and Rested.
Being “Receptive” is important.
Parents can help young people develop a receptive attitude toward school in
general, and testing in particular.
They can do this by making sure
students understand that testing is merely a part of the learning process and
that it is a measuring stick for how much they have learned.
The second “R” is for
“Relaxed.” Anxiety can block the best-prepared student from doing well on a
test.
It’s important to help children
avoid getting hung up on how hard a test might be, or the negative consequences
of doing poorly.
Being Ready — not cramming at
the last minute — and being Rested, by getting a good night’s sleep before the
test, are also vital.
Make sure your child knows you have
confidence in them to do well, but that your approval of your child as a person
does not depend on a test score.
