It is standardized test time again! As a result, it is time to help get our kids prepared mentally, physically and academically. Even for parents who aren’t concerned with the test results, it is healthy to prep children for this experience that can be overwhelming. This series will help you do that. It will cover: six basic ways for parents to help, how to calm nerves, general test taking skills and some subject-based advice for the academic sections.
Even if you choose to do nothing else, you can help your child have the best opportunity to perform well by just implementing these 6 simple ideas:
1. Proper Rest
Getting enough sleep the night before is helpful, but try adjusting your child’s schedule starting a few days before exam week starts. By putting her/him to bed 15-30 minutes earlier than usual, your child will be truly well rested and you can gain those minutes in the morning to make sure suggestions #2 and #3 happen.
2. Healthy Food
During exam week, it is beneficial to pump up all the meals on the family menu with highly nutritious foods. Eating a healthy breakfast helps give your child the energy and stamina s/he will need to endure the long exam times. A healthy breakfast includes complex carbohydrates, protein, fat and fruit. Some options include:
1. Juice, whole wheat toast with peanut butter, and scrambled egg
2. Breakfast burrito (tortilla, cheese, beans, eggs, veggies, avocado) and juice
3. Peanut butter and banana sandwich and milk
4. Oatmeal or high fiber cereal, fruit, and protein
It also great to pack a healthy snack to keep your child’s energy flowing. Try to stay away from simple carbohydrates like chips and cookies that will just give your child a quick energy spike followed by a huge dip. An apple with cheese or peanut butter, cheese and crackers, or a homemade trail mix with nuts and raisins are some yummy and healthy choices.
3. On time Arrivals and Attendance
Exam time is hard enough without being distracted by the panic involved with missing 15 minutes of test time. Some children will freeze up under this extra pressure. It is best to get kids to school a little earlier than usual to eliminate this stress. Also, avoid scheduling any appointments that would take the student away during test time.
4. Materials Ready
Find out what materials your child needs for the exam and make sure that they have them. Sharpened #2 pencils, an eraser, and calculators are commonly needed supplies.
5. Physical Activity
Standardized testing involves a lot of sitting still, concentration and stress. Scheduling some physical activity for your child gets the blood pumping and reduces tension. Go for a walk or bike ride together, visit a park, or play ball in the front yard.
6. Pep talk
Sometimes standardized tests and the hype surrounding them make kids feel a large amount of pressure to perform well. Even if your child seems to be handling the situation with relative ease, it is a kind gesture to give her/him a little pep talk the morning of the exam. You will calm them and boost their confidence by saying something like: “I will be thinking about you during your exam today. Just do your best and know that I love you no matter what!”
Put these simple suggestions into place and you will help your child have the best chance at showing off all s/he knows. Good Luck!
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